Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender beef stew meat and baby Yukon gold potatoes slow-cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. This easy one-pot meal is packed with savory flavors, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the potatoes absorb the delicious garlic butter sauce. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, this recipe is a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation – Simply add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook.
• Tender, Juicy Beef – The slow-cooking process ensures fall-apart beef bites.
• Rich Garlic Butter Flavor – The combination of garlic and butter creates a deep, savory taste.
• Minimal Cleanup – A one-pot dish means fewer dishes to wash.
• Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy on its own or with a variety of side dishes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot) – Ensures even cooking and tender meat.
• Sharp Knife – For chopping garlic and portioning meat if needed.
• Cutting Board – Provides a stable surface for ingredient prep.
• Measuring Spoons – Ensures accurate seasoning.
• Spoon or Tongs – Helps mix and serve without breaking the meat apart.

Preparation Tips

• Choose the Right Beef – Stew meat, chuck roast, or cubed sirloin work well.
• Cut Potatoes Evenly – Ensures they cook at the same rate as the beef.
• Keep Ingredients Separate – Placing the beef and potatoes on opposite sides helps them cook evenly.
• Use Fresh Garlic – Provides a stronger, more aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder alone.

Ingredients (6 servings)

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pads

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Place the beef stew meat in one half of the slow cooker and the potatoes in the other half.
• Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both sides.

2. Season and Add Butter

• Gently toss the beef to coat with the seasoning, keeping it separate from the potatoes.
• Sprinkle the chopped garlic over the beef and potatoes.
• Place butter pads on top of both ingredients.

3. Slow Cook

• Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and fully cooked.

4. Serve and Enjoy

• Spoon the buttery garlic sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the beef and potatoes before serving.

Notes

• For a faster cook time, substitute stew meat with cubed sirloin steak and cook on high for 4 hours instead.
• Serving suggestion – Pair with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
• Storage tip – Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. The rich garlic butter sauce enhances the beef and potatoes, making it a satisfying meal on its own. For a more balanced plate, consider adding vegetables or a lighter side to complement the bold flavors.

Best Ways to Serve This Dish

• Fresh Salad – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the butter sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add color and freshness to the plate.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls – Perfect for soaking up the extra garlic butter sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice – If you want extra comfort, serve the beef and potatoes over mashed potatoes or rice.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – A slightly charred, crispy side with a hint of bitterness complements the beef.
• Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb option that absorbs the buttery garlic flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Slow Cooker

When the ingredients are packed too tightly, they may not cook evenly. If the beef and potatoes are stacked on top of each other, some pieces may cook faster than others.
Solution: Use a large slow cooker or adjust ingredient quantities to ensure an even layer.

2. Using Too Little Butter

Butter is essential for creating the rich garlic sauce. Skimping on it may result in a dry dish.
Solution: Stick to the recommended butter amount or add an extra tablespoon if needed.

3. Not Cutting Potatoes Evenly

Potatoes that are too large may take longer to cook, while smaller ones may become too soft.
Solution: Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes for even cooking.

4. Cooking on High Heat for Too Long

Slow cooking on high can cause the beef to become tough instead of tender.
Solution: For the best texture, cook on low for six hours. If using high heat, reduce the cooking time and check for doneness earlier.

5. Adding Too Much Salt Too Early

Seasoning is important, but slow cooking intensifies flavors. Adding too much salt at the beginning can make the dish overly salty.
Solution: Start with the recommended amount and adjust at the end if needed.

Side Dish Recommendations

1. Steamed Broccoli

Light and nutritious, broccoli adds a fresh contrast to the buttery beef.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A crispy, slightly bitter side that balances the richness of the dish.

3. Green Beans Almondine

Sautéed green beans with almonds add crunch and a mild nutty flavor.

4. Spinach Salad

A fresh spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the buttery sauce.

5. Cauliflower Rice

A low-carb option that pairs well with the beef’s bold flavors.

6. Garlic Knots

Soft and flavorful, these are great for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.

7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A slightly sweet contrast to the savory beef and potatoes.

8. Grilled Asparagus

A light and slightly smoky side dish that enhances the meal.

Choosing the right side can enhance the dish and create a well-rounded meal. Whether you prefer something light or extra hearty, these options provide the perfect balance.

Recipe Tips

Enhance the Flavor

• Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly chopped garlic provides a stronger, more aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
• Add Herbs – Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can add depth to the garlic butter sauce.
• Try Different Butter Options – For a richer taste, use clarified butter or ghee.

Adjust the Texture

• For Extra Tender Beef – Let the beef cook on low for the full six hours. Longer cooking times help break down the connective tissues, making the beef softer.
• For a Thicker Sauce – If you want a thicker garlic butter sauce, remove the beef and potatoes after cooking and stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Customize the Spice Level

• Mild Option – Keep the seasonings as they are for a mild, buttery flavor.
• Spicy Option – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

• Let the beef and potatoes cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Place the cooled beef and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop

• Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a small amount of butter or broth.
• Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Microwave

• Place the beef and potatoes in a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated evenly.

Oven

• Preheat the oven to 300°F.
• Place the beef and potatoes in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until fully heated.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this on the stovetop in a covered pot over low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. A pressure cooker or Instant Pot is another option for faster cooking.

What cut of beef works best for this recipe?

Beef stew meat, chuck roast, or cubed sirloin steak are great choices. Stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, while sirloin cooks faster.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute butter with dairy-free alternatives like ghee, olive oil, or plant-based butter.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add carrots, mushrooms, or onions for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure they are cut into uniform sizes to cook evenly.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites is a simple, flavorful dish that delivers tender beef and buttery potatoes in every bite. It requires minimal effort but results in a satisfying and comforting meal. With easy storage and reheating options, it’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete and delicious dinner.

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