Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes delivers everything you want in a comforting, all-in-one dinner. Tender beef simmered in rich garlic butter pairs effortlessly with soft, flavorful potatoes that soak up every drop of the savory sauce. What I enjoy most about this recipe is how little hands-on time it requires—the slow cooker truly does all the work. I have tried this using both stew meat and chuck roast, and both become incredibly soft after slow cooking. The garlic butter sauce feels indulgent without being heavy, and adding herbs brings a freshness that lifts the entire dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy nights, relaxed weekends, or serving guests. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and big flavor, this recipe absolutely earns a place in your regular dinner rotation.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender slow-cooked beef bites simmered in rich garlic butter with soft, flavorful potatoes—an easy, hearty dinner perfect for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear beef chunks for 2–3 minutes per side to enhance flavor.
- Place potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add beef bites on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, paprika, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender and potatoes are soft.
- Toss gently before serving to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Searing the beef adds richer flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for the creamiest texture.
- Add carrots or green beans during the last hour for a full one-pot meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef stew meat or chuck roast
This cut becomes wonderfully tender when slow cooked. It absorbs the garlic butter sauce, creating melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Baby potatoes
Baby potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking and soak up the flavorful garlic butter mixture beautifully.
Garlic
Fresh garlic infuses the beef and potatoes with rich, aromatic flavor that deepens the longer it cooks.
Butter
Butter forms the base of the sauce, creating richness and a silky finish that coats the beef and potatoes evenly.
Beef broth
Broth ensures proper moisture while keeping the dish savory and full-bodied.
Paprika
Paprika adds warmth and color, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
Italian seasoning
This blend brings herbal notes that pair perfectly with garlic and butter.
Olive oil
A small amount helps brown the beef before slow cooking, adding deeper flavor.
Salt and pepper
Essential for seasoning the meat and balancing the richness of the sauce.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds brightness and freshness at the end, giving a polished finish.
Directions
Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding a splash of olive oil. Lightly season the beef with salt, pepper, and paprika before searing it in batches until browned on the outside. This step enhances the final flavor, though you can skip it if pressed for time. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Next, add the baby potatoes to the slow cooker, nestling them around the beef for even cooking. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, additional paprika, and a small amount of beef broth. Pour this garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes, ensuring everything is well coated.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low until the beef becomes tender and the potatoes soften. Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir gently to coat everything in the rich garlic butter sauce. Finish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. The result is a flavorful, tender, and hearty dinner ready with minimal effort.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4–6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: 6–7 hours
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw fully before reheating and stir carefully to restore the sauce’s texture.
Variations and Customizations:
Creamy Garlic Beef Bites
Add a splash of heavy cream during the last 15 minutes for a richer, creamier sauce.
Herb-Loaded Version
Increase Italian seasoning or add rosemary and thyme for a more pronounced herb flavor.
Veggie Boost
Add carrots or green beans in the final hour for a heartier meal with added color.
Spicy Garlic Butter Beef
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat.
Onion-Garlic Blend
Add sliced onions in with the potatoes for sweetness and extra aroma.
Lemon Garlic Option
Add a touch of lemon juice or zest at the end to brighten the dish.
Mushroom Addition
Stir in chopped mushrooms at the halfway point for additional umami and depth.
Chuck Roast Chunks
Use larger roast pieces for shreddable beef instead of bite-sized chunks.
Low-Sodium Version
Use unsalted butter and low-sodium broth, seasoning to taste.
Crisp Finish
Broil the cooked beef bites on a sheet pan for a few minutes to create crisp edges.
FAQs
Do I need to brown the beef first?
It’s optional, but browning adds deeper flavor and better texture.
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast works especially well for slow cooking.
Will red potatoes work instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, they hold their shape nicely and taste great in this dish.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
You can substitute with olive oil, but the flavor will be less rich.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely—carrots, mushrooms, and onions are great additions.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Can I use frozen beef?
It’s best to thaw beef first for even cooking and food safety.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cook for 3–4 hours, though low produces more tender beef.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
How do I keep potatoes from overcooking?
Use baby potatoes or cut larger potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together tender beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce. It requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy days while still delivering the satisfying depth of a home-cooked meal. This recipe adapts easily to your preferences, reheats beautifully, and fits into nearly any meal plan. Whether served as a cozy family dinner or a hearty weekend dish, it is sure to become a reliable favorite in your kitchen.
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