This tasty dish features tender beef bites cooked in rich garlic butter, paired perfectly with soft potatoes. It’s warm, comforting, and super easy to make in a slow cooker!
I love throwing everything in the slow cooker and letting it do the work. Plus, my house smells amazing while it cooks! Serve it with some bread, and you’re all set for a cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin or stew meat. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use lean cuts like eye of round or even chuck for more flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the cut.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect here for their creaminess. If you don’t have them, any potatoes will do. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks. Yukon Golds or red potatoes are great alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon for every clove—but I truly prefer the fresh stuff.
Butter: Unsalted butter brings richness to the dish. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can swap half of the butter for olive oil or a healthier butter substitute.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary work great, but fresh will always elevate the dish. If you lack these, Italian seasoning could be a good substitute.
How Do You Ensure the Beef is Tender and Flavorful?
To get juicy and tender beef bites, searing them before slow cooking is important. This process locks in flavor. Don’t rush it! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high. Once hot, add olive oil and wait for it to shimmer.
- Brown the beef in batches, leaving space between pieces for even cooking. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side.
- After searing, layer the potatoes first in the slow cooker, then top them with your beef. This way, the potatoes soak in all those great flavors!
Allowing the beef to cook low and slow will also make it fork-tender. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Bites:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6 to 7 hours of cooking on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Just let it cook while you go about your day, and you’ll come home to a warm, hearty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Garlic Butter:
In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
2. Coat the Beef:
Add the bite-sized beef pieces to the bowl and toss them gently in the garlic butter mixture until they’re completely coated. This step gives the beef amazing flavor!
3. Sear the Beef (Optional):
If you have a few extra minutes, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides for about 2-3 minutes. This step enhances the flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time!
4. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Over the potatoes, add the seared beef bites, along with any remaining garlic butter mixture from the bowl.
5. Add the Cooking Liquid:
Pour the beef broth over the beef and potatoes. This helps keep everything moist while cooking.
6. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The beef should be tender, and the potatoes cooked through when it’s ready!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. A little extra sprinkle of salt can really bring out the flavors!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the beef bites and potatoes warm. To make it look pretty, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your meal!
Your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is now ready for enjoyment—perfect for a comforting dinner!
FAQ for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can thaw it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if the beef is still partially frozen.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work as good substitutes. For a richer flavor, you can also use red wine or even water combined with a beef bouillon cube. Just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe since broth can vary in saltiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the dish seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, green beans, or bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add a lot of extra veggies!
