Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food dinner, tender, juicy beef chunks slow-cooked with golden potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without standing over the stove.
The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of slow cooking, while the potatoes absorb all the buttery, garlicky goodness. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile, serve it as a stand-alone dish or pair it with vegetables, salad, or bread for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast cut into cubes)
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef chunks for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step locks in flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
- Add beef chunks and potatoes to the crockpot.
- Pour garlic butter mixture and beef broth over the top. Toss gently to coat.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Variations
- Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar before serving.
- Veggie Boost: Add carrots, mushrooms, or green beans in the last 1–2 hours of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Herb Upgrade: Use fresh thyme and rosemary for even more flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Browning beef before slow cooking adds richness, but you can skip if short on time.
- Baby potatoes hold their shape best, but Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work too.
- For a thicker sauce, remove ½ cup cooking liquid, whisk with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and stir back in.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy as a stand-alone one-pot dinner for ultimate convenience.
Tips
- Cut beef into evenly sized chunks for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker, use a 6-quart size or larger.
- For extra flavor, marinate beef in garlic butter sauce overnight before cooking.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 520mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
- Yes, chuck roast or sirloin both work well for slow cooking.
Q2: Can I make crockpot garlic butter beef bites ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, freeze in airtight containers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Q4: Can I cook this without beef broth?
- Yes, substitute with chicken broth or even water, though beef broth adds depth.
Q5: How do I prevent mushy potatoes?
- Use waxy potatoes like baby red or gold, they hold shape better than Russets.
Conclusion
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful slow cooker recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. With tender beef, buttery potatoes, and a rich garlic-herb sauce, this dish is the perfect family-friendly comfort food. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner, Sunday supper, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.