If you’re looking for a rich, hearty, and flavor-packed meal that requires minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the perfect choice. With tender, juicy beef bites cooked in a garlic butter sauce alongside perfectly seasoned potatoes, this dish is an easy one-pot meal that the whole family will love. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, while the garlic butter infuses the beef and potatoes with an irresistible savory richness.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even meal prep. It’s also a fantastic option for entertaining guests, as the slow cooker method ensures effortless cooking with gourmet-level results. Whether you serve it as a main course with a side of steamed vegetables or enjoy it as a hearty standalone dish, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes step by step, along with tips for the best ingredients, storage advice, and serving suggestions. Get ready for a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Slow Cooker Recipe: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without constant attention.
• Tender, Flavorful Beef: The long, slow cooking process ensures that the beef bites become incredibly tender and infused with garlic butter goodness.
• One-Pot Convenience: This dish includes both protein and a side in one pot, making cleanup easy and meal prep simple.
• Rich, Buttery Sauce: The combination of butter, garlic, and herbs creates an indulgent, restaurant-quality sauce that coats every bite.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This meal stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers and weekly meal planning.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Even picky eaters will love the savory, buttery taste of this dish.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 generous plate

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Beef and Potatoes:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces if not already pre-cut. Season generously with salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Toss to coat.
• Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp olive oil.
• Add the beef pieces in a single layer, searing for about 2 minutes per side until browned. This enhances the flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

• Place the baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add the seared (or raw) beef bites on top.
• In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining olive oil. Pour over the beef and potatoes.
• Add the beef broth to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh parsley and grated Parmesan (if using) before serving.
• Serve hot and enjoy the buttery, garlicky flavors!

Ingredient Background

• Beef stew meat: Affordable and flavorful, stew meat becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Chuck roast is a great alternative.
• Baby potatoes: These hold their shape well and absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Garlic: A key ingredient that infuses deep, rich flavor. Fresh garlic is best!
• Butter: Adds creaminess and a luxurious taste to the dish.
• Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika enhance the beef’s flavor.

Technique Tips

• Searing the beef first locks in flavor and improves texture.
• Cut potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding in the slow cooker to allow even cooking.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
• Turn leftovers into a sandwich filling with crusty bread.
• Make a loaded baked potato by topping a baked potato with the beef bites.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
• Don’t skip the butter! It’s what makes the sauce extra delicious.
• Add extra veggies like carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more variety.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Version: Stir in shredded cheese at the end for extra indulgence.
• Lighter Version: Replace butter with ghee or use half the amount.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use leaner beef cuts for a lower-fat option.
• Swap butter for olive oil to reduce saturated fat.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added fiber.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Family Dinners: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or salad.
• Potlucks: Keep warm in the slow cooker for easy serving.
• Holiday Meals: Pair with fresh dinner rolls and green beans.

Special Equipment

• Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Cast-Iron Skillet (for searing, optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While stew meat is convenient, other cuts like chuck roast, sirloin, or brisket work well. Chuck roast is particularly ideal because it has a good amount of marbling, which keeps it tender during slow cooking. If using sirloin, keep in mind that it is a leaner cut and may require a shorter cooking time to prevent it from drying out.

2. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this dish in a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot. Brown the beef first, then add the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. You may need to add more broth as it reduces over time.

3. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it cook uncovered for those final minutes to allow the sauce to thicken properly. Alternatively, you can remove some of the sauce, simmer it on the stove until thickened, and then return it to the slow cooker.

4. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile when it comes to vegetables. Carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas can be added for extra nutrition. If adding quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini or peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes so they don’t overcook.

5. Can I use frozen beef?
It’s best to thaw the beef before cooking to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption. If you must cook from frozen, extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low. However, keep in mind that frozen beef may release extra moisture, which could dilute the sauce.

6. How do I make this dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, simply swap out the butter for olive oil or dairy-free margarine. The garlic-infused oil will still provide plenty of flavor. You can also add a splash of coconut cream or cashew cream at the end for richness without the dairy.

7. What sides go well with this dish?
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to add more variety, try serving it with:

• Mashed potatoes – for an extra creamy, comforting meal.
• Steamed rice – white, brown, or even garlic-infused rice pairs wonderfully.
• Roasted vegetables – such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans.
• Garlic bread – to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Side salad – a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.

8. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! This meal is great for meal prep. You can:

• Pre-cut the beef and potatoes and store them in the fridge overnight.
• Mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate.
• Fully cook the dish and store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

If preparing the night before, simply add everything to the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and set it to cook.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, hearty meals without the hassle of complicated preparation. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth dish packed with rich, buttery, garlicky goodness.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting guests, this recipe delivers incredible flavor every time. The combination of tender beef, buttery potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to put together. Plus, with so many customization options, you can tailor it to your taste by adding vegetables, adjusting seasonings, or serving it with different sides.

Not only is this dish delicious and filling, but it’s also budget-friendly and perfect for using up pantry staples. The slow cooking process ensures that even tougher cuts of beef become wonderfully tender, making this a great way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home.

Give this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it up, enjoy the rich flavors, and don’t forget to save some for leftovers—if there are any!