There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, slow-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with the rich aroma of garlic, butter, and tender beef. If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare, Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the perfect choice.
This dish combines succulent, bite-sized beef pieces with perfectly seasoned baby potatoes, all slow-cooked in a buttery garlic sauce until everything is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, a cozy family meal, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this savory, rich, and incredibly satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Slow-cooked perfection – The beef turns fall-apart tender, and the potatoes soak up all the garlic butter goodness.
- Minimal prep, maximum flavor – Just sear, mix, and let the slow cooker do the work!
- Perfect for meal prep – This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Versatile – You can swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Great for any occasion – Whether it’s a comforting dinner, a holiday meal, or a meal-prep favorite, this dish is a winner.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich, flavorful dish.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Beef stew meat (bite-sized pieces) | 1 ½ pounds | Tender, flavorful protein |
| Baby potatoes (halved) | 1 pound | Absorbs the garlic butter sauce |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 4 tablespoons | Adds richness and flavor |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Infuses the dish with bold flavor |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Enhances savory depth |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon | Adds subtle smokiness |
| Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon | Adds an herby aroma |
| Dried rosemary | ½ teaspoon | Provides earthy flavor |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Enhances overall taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Balances seasoning |
| Beef broth | ¼ cup | Keeps everything juicy and flavorful |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Helps achieve a perfect sear |
Optional Garnish
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tablespoon | Adds freshness and color |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
1. Prepare the Beef
- Pat the beef dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (this helps with browning).
- Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Heat the Skillet
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the Beef
- Add the beef bites to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
4. Add the Potatoes
- Place the halved baby potatoes into the slow cooker with the beef.
5. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
6. Pour Over the Ingredients
- Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.
7. Add the Beef Broth
- Pour ¼ cup of beef broth into the slow cooker for extra moisture and depth of flavor.
8. Cook Low and Slow
- 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 fully cooked.
9. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes with your favorite side dish or on its own!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Sear the beef first – This adds extra flavor and richness to the dish.
- Use baby potatoes – They hold their shape well and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Let it cook low and slow – The longer cooking time ensures fall-apart tender beef.
- Add more garlic if you love bold flavors – You can never go wrong with extra garlic!
- Don’t over-stir – Let the potatoes cook undisturbed to develop the best texture.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Here are some great ways to customize your dish!
- Spicy Kick – Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Extra Veggies – Try adding carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variety.
- Dairy-Free Version – Swap butter for ghee or dairy-free butter.
- Thicker Sauce – Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.
- Different Herbs – Swap rosemary and thyme for Italian seasoning or oregano.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
This dish is hearty on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great sides.
- Side Salad – A fresh garden salad balances the richness.
- Rice or Quinoa – A great option for soaking up the extra juices.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast or sirloin work well, too.
2. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then quick release.
3. How do I make it even more flavorful?
Add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to enhance the umami depth.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
5. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can bake at 325°F (163°C) for 2.5 hours in a covered Dutch oven.
6. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Definitely! Sweet potatoes add a hint of natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Food Dish
If you’re craving a rich, hearty, and comforting meal, this Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a must-try! With tender beef, buttery potatoes, and bold garlic flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious, satisfying home-cooked meal!
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Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes: A Flavorful and Hearty Meal
- Total Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe combines succulent beef, tender baby potatoes, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce for a comforting, flavorful meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or family gatherings!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 pound baby potatoes (halved)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Beef: Add the beef to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour Over the Ingredients: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Add the Beef Broth: Pour ¼ cup of beef broth into the slow cooker for added moisture and flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: 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 fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for added freshness.
Notes
- Sear the beef first for added flavor and richness.
- Use baby potatoes for the best texture and absorption of the garlic butter sauce.
- Let the beef cook low and slow to ensure it becomes fall-apart tender.
- Add more garlic if you love bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 3-4 hours (high setting)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
