Introduction to Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to dinner. That’s why I absolutely adore my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those hectic days when you want to impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender beef bites, nestled among buttery baby potatoes, create a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—spending time with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
This recipe is a game-changer for busy nights. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the stress. The rich garlic butter sauce infuses the beef and potatoes with incredible flavor, making it a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup for you. Who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating my beloved Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef Chuck Roast or Stew Meat: This is the star of the dish. Cut into bite-sized pieces, it becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks.
- Baby Potatoes: These little gems are perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce. Halve them for even cooking, or quarter if they’re on the larger side.
- Unsalted Butter: The melted butter adds richness and depth to the sauce. I prefer unsalted so I can control the seasoning.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must! It brings a fragrant aroma and a punch of flavor that elevates the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef, it helps achieve that beautiful brown crust, enhancing the overall taste.
- Dried Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs add a lovely earthy flavor. They’re classic companions to beef and potatoes.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice gives a subtle smokiness that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
- Onion Powder: A dash of onion powder adds a hint of sweetness and depth without the fuss of chopping onions.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these staples help bring all the flavors together.
- Beef Broth: This adds moisture and richness to the dish, ensuring everything cooks to perfection.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
Feel free to get creative! You can add other vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition. If you’re short on time, pre-cut vegetables from the store can save you a few precious minutes. For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything you need for printing.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish. Follow along, and I promise you’ll have a delightful meal waiting for you at the end of the day!
Step 1: Sear the Beef Bites
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and let it get hot. Once the oil shimmers, it’s time to add the beef bites. Sear them for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. This step is optional, but trust me, it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Once done, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that rich, savory sauce. The garlic brings a fragrant aroma, while the herbs add a lovely earthiness. Make sure everything is well combined; this sauce is what makes the dish sing!
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Now, let’s build our masterpiece! Start by placing the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce over them, ensuring they’re well coated. Next, add the seared beef bites on top of the potatoes. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the beef, and then pour the beef broth over everything. This layering ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The key here is patience! If you’re unsure about doneness, check the beef after the minimum cooking time. It should be fork-tender and the potatoes should be soft. Remember, every slow cooker is a bit different, so adjust the time as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked to perfection, give it a gentle stir to coat the beef and potatoes in that luscious sauce. Transfer the dish to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm, and watch your family’s faces light up with joy. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a moment to savor together!
Tips for Success
- Always sear the beef for extra flavor, but if you’re short on time, skip it.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; beef should reach 145°F for medium-rare.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving!
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker: A must-have for this recipe. Any size will do, but a 6-quart is ideal.
- Skillet: For searing the beef. A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works great.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the beef and potatoes.
- Serving Spoon: To dish out the deliciousness!
Variations
- Vegetable Medley: Add carrots, green beans, or bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute baby potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative.
- Gluten-Free Gravy: Use gluten-free beef broth and thicken the sauce with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Presentation: Garnish with extra parsley and serve in a rustic bowl for a cozy feel.
FAQs about Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using beef chuck roast for its tenderness, you can also use sirloin or brisket. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the cut.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up that rich garlic butter sauce!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller family?
If you’re cooking for fewer people, simply halve the ingredients. The cooking time will remain the same, so you can still enjoy all that delicious flavor!
Final Thoughts
Cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories and sharing love with those we cherish. My Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a perfect example of that. The aroma wafting through the house as it cooks is like a warm invitation to gather around the table. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that brings smiles and satisfaction. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. I hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your home, just as it has in mine!
Print
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Delight!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef bites and baby potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle with half of the garlic butter sauce.
- Add the seared beef bites on top of the potatoes and drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce. Pour the beef broth over everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Stir gently to coat the potatoes and beef in the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
- Searing the beef is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or green beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
