If you love melt-in-your-mouth beef and rich garlic butter flavors, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is for you. It combines juicy, bite-sized chunks of beef with tender potatoes, all simmered in a buttery garlic herb sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this dish is simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious. The slow cooker does all the work—just toss it together in the morning and come home to a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into chunks
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for umami boost)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Adds Flavor)
- In a hot skillet, heat olive oil and sear beef bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step adds rich, caramelized flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
- Wash and halve or quarter baby potatoes depending on size. No need to peel.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add to Slow Cooker
- Add the beef and potatoes to the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the top and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once done, stir gently. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Variation:
- Add vegetables: Toss in carrots, green beans, or mushrooms during the last 1–2 hours.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated parmesan at the end for a rich finish.
- Use chicken: Swap beef for boneless chicken thighs and reduce cook time slightly.
COOKING Note:
Beef stew meat becomes super tender when cooked on LOW for 6–7 hours. Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. For thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
- Side salad: A light green salad balances the richness.
- Steamed vegetables: Try broccoli or asparagus for color and nutrition.
- Rice or pasta: Spoon the beef and sauce over rice or buttered noodles.
Tips:
- Sear the beef for extra flavor and better texture.
- Use gold or red baby potatoes for a buttery texture that holds up well.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; the flavors get even better overnight.
- Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months—great for make-ahead meals.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~7 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fat: ~30g
- Sodium: ~680mg
- Sugar: ~2g
- Fiber: ~3g
Values vary based on ingredient choices and serving size.
❓FAQs
Can I skip searing the beef?
- Yes. Searing adds flavor, but the recipe still works without it.
What type of beef is best?
- Beef stew meat, sirloin tips, or chuck roast cut into chunks all work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep the ingredients the night before and refrigerate in the crockpot insert. Start cooking the next day.
How do I thicken the sauce?
- Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) added in the last 30 minutes.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
- Yes, but they may cook faster, so check for doneness earlier.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting, no-fuss dinner loaded with flavor. Tender beef and buttery potatoes simmer together in a garlicky herb sauce that smells incredible and tastes even better. It’s one of those simple slow cooker meals that feel like a special treat—perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.
With rich flavors and minimal prep, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.