If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that practically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the answer to your dinnertime prayers. Tender chunks of beef and buttery baby potatoes soak up an irresistible garlic butter sauce, transforming humble ingredients into a dish that tastes like pure comfort. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll end up with a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is that the ingredients are delightfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the rich, velvety butter to the punchy garlic and tender potatoes, every element brings something special to the table.
- Beef stew meat or sirloin tips (2 pounds): Choosing well-marbled beef guarantees juicy, tender bites after hours of slow cooking.
- Baby potatoes (1 1/2 pounds, halved): These little gems hold their shape beautifully and soak up all that delicious buttery flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Butter is the backbone of the sauce, adding richness and silkiness to every bite.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings depth, aroma, and irresistible flavor—don’t skimp!
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Just a splash adds savory, umami undertones that make the dish pop.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend brings a fragrant mix of herbs that brightens the whole dish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out the flavors of both the beef and potatoes.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, warming kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of paprika lends subtle color and an extra layer of flavor.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, for garnish): Sprinkling parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Beef and Potatoes
Start by grabbing your slow cooker and adding the cubed beef and halved baby potatoes right in. There’s no need to brown the meat first (unless you want that extra caramelized flavor—see my note below), so this step is as easy as it gets. Just make sure your potatoes are evenly halved for uniform cooking!
Step 2: Whisk the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This sauce is the heart and soul of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, infusing every morsel with buttery, garlicky goodness. Take a second to inhale the aroma—it’s worth it!
Step 3: Combine and Coat
Pour the luscious garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure each piece is coated. This step is key to making sure the flavor reaches every nook and cranny, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Let the magic happen while you go about your day! When time’s up, the beef will be tender enough to cut with a fork, and the potatoes will be creamy and flavorful. Give everything a gentle stir before serving.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Right before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brings a hint of brightness that balances the rich garlic butter sauce. Now, dig in!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few shavings of Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Even a drizzle of extra melted butter doesn’t hurt—this is comfort food, after all!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies on the side can add color and freshness. I love serving it with steamed green beans, a simple Caesar salad, or even a slice of warm crusty bread to mop up that garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes in individual bowls for a cozy, rustic vibe. For a party, try skewering the beef and potatoes onto toothpicks for a fun appetizer. This recipe even works beautifully in a family-style platter topped with extra herbs—let everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making your next meal just as delicious—if not more so!
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Allow everything to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the beef and potatoes gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat and sirloin tips work best for tenderness, you can also use chuck roast or even brisket, cut into bite-sized pieces. Just keep in mind that fattier cuts may add extra richness.
Is it possible to make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative, like vegan butter or olive oil, and you’ll still get plenty of flavor and richness.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Chopped carrots, pearl onions, or even mushrooms can be tossed in with the beef and potatoes for an extra veggie boost. Just keep the total volume in mind so your slow cooker doesn’t overflow.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem! You can make your own blend with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, or just use whatever dried herbs you have on hand.
How can I make the beef even more flavorful?
For a deeper, richer flavor, quickly sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the outside and adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, fills your home with amazing aromas, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, a comforting American main course featuring succulent beef stew meat and baby potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with Italian seasonings and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for an easy, hearty meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks and halve the baby potatoes. This ensures even cooking and easy serving.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the beef and halved baby potatoes into the slow cooker pot, distributing them evenly.
- Mix Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Coat Beef and Potatoes: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The beef should become tender and the potatoes soft.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, stir the contents gently to combine. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, sear the beef in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Consider adding chopped carrots or pearl onions along with the potatoes for extra vegetables and flavor variations.
- This recipe is gluten-free and perfect for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
