Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I slid open the slow cooker lid, a wave of aromatic garlic enveloped my kitchen, drawing everyone in like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. This is exactly why I love making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes—it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy as it is delicious! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set the stage for a mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself, making it ideal for those bustling weeknights when time is short. Not only does this dish deliver succulent, fork-tender beef bathed in a savory garlic butter sauce, but it’s also a fantastic crowd-pleaser that your family will adore. Ready to find out how to whip up this heartwarming favorite? Let’s dive in! Why Choose Garlic Butter Beef Bites? Simplicity at its Finest: With only 15 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules. Irresistible Flavor: The rich garlic butter sauce infuses each beef bite, making every mouthful a savory delight. Tender & Tasty: Slow-cooking ensures that the beef becomes fork-tender, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth quality everyone loves. Versatile Pairing: These beef bites complement side dishes like Garlic Butter Salmon or even BBQ Beef Tacos for a rounded meal. Family-Friendly: Perfectly balanced and delicious, this dish will become a favorite for both kids and adults. Meal Prep Dream: Leftovers store well, making it a fantastic option for those who enjoy meal prepping. Garlic Butter Beef Bites Ingredients For the Beef Beef Stew Meat – Cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking and maximum tenderness; substituting with chuck roast or brisket will enhance the flavor. For the Vegetables Red Potatoes – Quartered for even cooking and a robust texture that absorbs flavors; try Yukon Gold or baby potatoes as a delicious alternative. For the Sauce Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor to the garlic sauce; use olive oil for a lighter option if desired. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic contributes aromatic depth; add extra cloves for a more pronounced garlicky flavor. Dried Thyme, Rosemary, and Parsley – These herbs elevate the dish’s taste; fresh herbs can bring an extra burst of freshness. For the Liquid Beef Broth – Provides moisture and depth of flavor; chicken broth can work interchangeably in a pinch. Soy Sauce – Infuses umami richness; consider low-sodium options for a healthier choice. For Searing Olive Oil – Used for searing beef to enhance flavor; a neutral oil will serve well as a substitute. For Garnish Fresh Parsley – Chopped for a vibrant finishing touch that adds color and flavor to your dish. This Garlic Butter Beef Bites recipe captures the essence of comforting home-cooked meals. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Beef Bites Step 1: Prepare the Beef Begin by cutting the beef stew meat into uniform 1-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the beef’s natural flavor. This foundational step will set the stage for the delicious Garlic Butter Beef Bites that follow. Step 2: Sear the Beef Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned beef in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s golden brown. This process caramelizes the meat, creating a rich flavor that will deepen during slow cooking, so be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce In a bowl, combine approximately 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter with 4-5 cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Stir until well blended. Pour this aromatic mixture over the seared beef in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat. Step 4: Layer the Potatoes Quarter the red potatoes and layer them on top of the beef in the slow cooker. This arrangement allows the potatoes to absorb the savory garlic butter sauce as they cook, enhancing both their flavor and texture, creating a delightful accompaniment to your Garlic Butter Beef Bites. Step 5: Combine the Liquids In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth and 1/4 cup of soy sauce until fully combined. This flavorful liquid will add moisture and depth to the dish. Pour it evenly over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated. Step 6: Slow Cook the Dish Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the beef will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft. Step 7: Final Touches Once the cooking time is complete, check the seasonings and adjust if necessary. Garnish your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the inviting aromas that fill your home. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes are a fantastic meal prep option, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can chop the beef and potatoes and mix them with the garlic butter sauce up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate them in an airtight container to keep everything fresh and flavorful. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine the marinated meat and potatoes with the broth and soy sauce in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. This way, you can enjoy delicious, fork-tender beef bites and fluffy potatoes with minimal effort, just as if you had made them from scratch that day! How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Beef Bites Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, ensuring the dish maintains its delicious flavors and moisture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Garlic Butter Beef Bites in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor. Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep it moist. What to Serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes There’s something magical about the warmth and richness of homemade meals, especially when enjoyed with the perfect side dishes. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: They bring a silky, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the tender beef and garlic sauce, creating a satisfying dish. Garlic Bread: The crunchy, toasty flavors complement the savory nature of your beef bites, making every bite an indulgence worth savoring. Steamed Green Beans: These add a pop of color and a fresh, crisp texture that balances the richness of the beef, creating a delightful contrast. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and zesty dressing bring a refreshing element that cuts through the richness, making it a lighter side option. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their nutty flavor and caramelized edges lend depth and a hint of sweetness that wonderfully enhances the meal’s overall complexity. Red Wine: A glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly, enriching your dining experience with bold flavors that match the heartiness of the beef. Apple Crisp: Finish your meal on a sweet note with this warm dessert; its comforting flavors and textures will send comforting vibes long after the last bite. Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Beef Bites Perfect Searing: Ensure beef is well-seared before slow cooking; this adds a rich depth of flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning! Layering Matters: Place potatoes on top of the beef in the slow cooker. This allows them to absorb all that savory garlic butter flavor as they cook. Moisture Control: If using frozen leftovers, be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with added moisture to prevent drying out. Season to Taste: Always sample and adjust seasonings before serving. The balance of flavors is key to elevating your Garlic Butter Beef Bites! Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs if available; they can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile. Garlic Butter Beef Bites Variations Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations that will make your Garlic Butter Beef Bites uniquely yours! Different Cuts: Try using chuck roast or brisket instead of beef stew meat for deeper flavors and textures. Each cut brings its own charm, giving you tasty options for every occasion! Veggie Boost: Add in colorful carrots, green beans, or even bell peppers. They’ll not only enhance nutrition but will add vibrant color to your dish, making it visually appealing and nutritious. Spicy Twist: For those who love a kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. This little addition will elevate the flavors beautifully and surprise your taste buds. Cauliflower Swap: If you’re looking to cut carbs, substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets. This creates a delightful, lighter version without sacrificing that comforting feel. A Hint of Sweetness: Incorporate a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey into the cooking liquid for a slightly sweet undertone that beautifully offsets the savory garlic. Experiment with Broth: Use chicken broth instead of beef for a different flavor profile. It lightens the dish while still keeping it hearty and satisfying. Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro bring a new dimension. Just a sprinkle can transform your dish into a bright, fresh experience. Adding Logs of Flavor: Toss in some mushrooms for extra umami! They soak up the garlic butter beautifully and complement the beef nicely, making your meal even heartier. Whatever variation you choose, it’s bound to be a hit! For additional side dishes, consider pairing it with Garlic Naan Bread or even a warm bowl of Beef Stew Hearty. Happy cooking! Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best beef for this recipe? Absolutely! The key is to select cuts that are well-marbled and suitable for slow cooking, such as beef stew meat, chuck roast, or brisket. Look for pieces that are bright red with minimal dark spots; this indicates freshness. The marbling of fat in the meat will ensure that your Garlic Butter Beef Bites turn out tender and juicy, enhancing the overall flavor. What is the best way to store leftovers? Very! Store your Garlic Butter Beef Bites in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation and moisture buildup. If you’d like to keep it longer, transferring the dish to freezer-safe containers or bags will allow it to be stored for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date for easy tracking! Can I freeze Garlic Butter Beef Bites? Absolutely! To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Flatten the bags for efficient storage. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. What should I do if the beef turns out tough? If your Garlic Butter Beef Bites are tough, they may have been undercooked or cut too large. For next time, ensure even 1-inch pieces, and if they’re tough after cooking, give them extra time in the slow cooker, checking every 30 minutes. Tenderizing the beef can also help before cooking, so consider marinating it or using a meat mallet for better results. Is this recipe safe for my pets? While the ingredients are mostly safe, it’s best to avoid giving your pets garlic and onion, which can be harmful to them. If you want to share with your furry friends, consider plating them a small portion without garlic or soy sauce. Always consult your veterinarian to ensure it aligns with your pet’s dietary needs! Savory Garlic Butter Beef Bites for Cozy Family Dinners Garlic Butter Beef Bites are the ultimate comfort food, easy to make and full of flavor. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef2 pounds Beef Stew Meat Cut into 1-inch piecesFor the Vegetables1 pound Red Potatoes QuarteredFor the Sauce1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Melted4-5 cloves Garlic Minced1 teaspoon Dried Thyme1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary1 teaspoon Dried ParsleyFor the Liquid1 cup Beef Broth1/4 cup Soy SauceFor Searing2 tablespoons Olive OilFor Garnish1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped Equipment Slow CookerSkilletMixing Bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Beef BitesCut the beef stew meat into uniform 1-inch pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley in a bowl, then pour over the seared beef in the slow cooker.Quarter the potatoes and layer them on top of the beef in the slow cooker.Whisk together the beef broth and soy sauce in a bowl, then pour it over the beef and potatoes.Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg NotesEnsure beef is well-seared before slow cooking for richer flavor. Refrigerate frozen leftovers overnight to thaw before reheating. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
