Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Tender cubes of beef stew meat slowly bathe in a pool of melted butter infused with fragrant garlic and earthy herbs, while hearty red potatoes get perfectly soft, ready to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Whether you’re a busy parent scrambling to get dinner on the table or someone craving a satisfying comfort meal, this dish delivers on flavor and ease. It’s the sort of recipe you can set and forget—no constant stirring or last-minute sautéing—leaving you free to unwind or tackle other tasks. In the end, you’re rewarded with a bubbling, aromatic masterpiece that looks like you spent hours fussing over every detail.
Beyond the simplicity, there’s a real joy in watching those beef bites turn mouthwateringly tender and the potatoes absorb all the garlic butter goodness. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and cooking low and slow for up to 8 hours, it slots neatly into busy schedules and beginner kitchens alike. This dinner truly earns the “comfort food made easy” badge. And at around 450 calories per serving, it’s a hearty yet balanced meal that pairs beautifully with simple sides. So grab your slow cooker, gather these humble ingredients, and get ready for a cozy feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SLOW COOKER GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES & POTATOES
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building those deep, savory flavors and comforting textures we love. From the beef that forms the heart of the dish to the herbs and garlic that bring it to life, here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef stew meat
Provides the rich, meaty foundation. When cut into bite-size pieces, it cooks evenly and becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the garlic butter and herb notes.
- Red potatoes
Quartered for quick cooking, these waxy potatoes hold their shape and offer a buttery texture once tender, soaking up the garlicky juices beneath them.
- Unsalted butter
Acts as the decadent base for the sauce. Melted and combined with garlic and herbs, butter coats each beef bite and potato piece with silky richness.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses an unmistakable punch of flavor throughout, mingling with the butter to create that signature garlicky aroma and taste.
- Olive oil
Used to sear the beef in the skillet, this oil helps develop a caramelized crust that locks in flavors before the slow cooker takes over.
- Salt
Essential for balancing flavors. Enhances the beef’s natural taste and helps season the potatoes as they simmer.
- Pepper
Freshly ground pepper adds a delicate heat and depth, rounding out the savory profile of the dish.
- Dried thyme
Brings a subtle, earthy herbal note that pairs beautifully with garlic and beef.
- Dried rosemary
Offers a piney, aromatic accent that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- Dried parsley
Adds gentle herbaceous freshness, brightening the butter sauce without overpowering.
- Beef broth
Introduces savory umami and provides the liquid needed for slow cooking, ensuring everything stays moist and flavorful.
- Soy sauce
Delivers a touch of saltiness and depth, enhancing the savory backbone and giving the sauce a lovely sheen.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled on top at serving time, it adds a pop of color and a final fresh note to the finished dish.
HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES & POTATOES
Let’s dive into how this recipe comes together from start to finish. With clear steps and simple techniques, you’ll be well on your way to a gorgeous slow-cooked dinner that tastes like it took hours of work—when in reality, the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting.
1. Begin by preparing the beef stew meat. If your pieces aren’t already the right size, cut them into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Season thoroughly with salt and pepper, coating each piece to enhance its natural flavor.
2. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if your skillet is crowded). Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until you see a deep brown crust form. Transfer the browned beef directly into your slow cooker, layering to ensure every piece benefits from the fond left behind in the pan.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried parsley. Pour this garlic butter mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, then gently toss so each cube is coated in that fragrant, herb-infused goodness.
4. Layer the quartered red potatoes evenly on top of the butter-coated beef. The potatoes will absorb all those delicious drippings as they cook, creating a wonderfully cohesive one-pot meal.
5. In another small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and soy sauce until fully combined. Drizzle this over the beef and potatoes to add extra moisture, richness, and umami depth to the dish.
6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 7–8 hours, or on high heat for 3–4 hours. This slow, steady cook ensures the beef becomes meltingly tender and the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork.
7. Once cooking is complete, give the dish a quick taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, enjoying the silky butter sauce clinging to each tender bite.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SLOW COOKER GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES & POTATOES
Once your slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes are ready, you’ll want to present them in a way that complements their hearty, rich flavors. Whether you’re serving family or entertaining guests, these ideas will help you build a complete, comforting plate that looks as good as it tastes.
- Steamed green vegetables
A side of bright, steamed green beans or broccoli helps cut through the richness of the butter sauce, adding a pop of color and a fresh, crisp bite to your plate.
- Fresh garden salad
Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple lemon vinaigrette. The crisp salad brings a zesty brightness that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef bites.
- Warm crusty bread
Serve slices of crusty baguette or dinner rolls alongside the slow cooker feast. Dipping bread into the garlic butter juices ensures no flavorful drop goes to waste.
- Red wine pairing
A glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Merlot or Malbec, complements the beef’s depth and harmonizes with the herbal undertones in the sauce.
HOW TO STORE SLOW COOKER GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES & POTATOES
Storing your leftovers properly will ensure that every bite remains as delicious as the moment it was first served. Whether you plan to enjoy this meal again the next day or freeze some for later, follow these tips to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the beef and potatoes into a sealed container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave to preserve texture.
- Freeze for longer storage
Portion leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Separate gravy if desired
If you want to lock in maximum tenderness, store the sauce separately in a small jar. Reheat the beef and potatoes, then stir in the warmed sauce just before serving to retain that silky texture.
- Reheat with moisture
When warming up leftovers, add a splash of beef broth or water to the container and cover loosely. This step restores the saucy consistency and prevents the potatoes from drying out.
CONCLUSION
Bringing this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe into your kitchen means embracing comfort food at its finest. We’ve walked through every detail—from selecting the right ingredients like tender beef chunks, vibrant red potatoes, and fragrant herbs, to the simple prep, sear, and slow-cook steps that yield jaw-dropping flavors. With minimal hands-on time, this beginner-friendly dinner lets your slow cooker work its magic while you tackle other tasks or simply unwind. After 7–8 hours on low (or a quicker 3–4 hours on high), you’ll be greeted by a bubbling pot full of rich, buttery juices, succulent meat, and perfectly tender potatoes. This dish is the essence of cozy dinners: hearty yet easy, flavorful yet uncomplicated.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—bookmark it in your recipe binder or pin it on your kitchen board for those busy weeknights when you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal. You can also find a FAQ below to troubleshoot common questions and help you tailor the recipe to your taste. If you give this recipe a try or if any part of the process leaves you curious—maybe you want tips on boosting the garlic punch, or you need advice on adjusting the cook time—please leave your comments, questions, or feedback. I’d love to hear how your slow cooker dinner turned out and am here to help you make every bite unforgettable!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Description
Enjoy the rich flavors of garlic and herbs infusing tender beef and hearty potatoes, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It's comfort food made easy!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by preparing the beef stew meat by cutting it into 1-inch pieces if not already cut. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Sear each side of the beef pieces for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
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In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and dried parsley. Pour this garlic butter mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, tossing the beef to coat it evenly.
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Layer the quartered red potatoes on top of the beef in the slow cooker.
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In another small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
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Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
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Once done, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Note
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
- For added flavor, consider deglazing the skillet used to brown the beef with a splash of wine or balsamic vinegar before adding the beef to the slow cooker.
- Adjust the quantity of garlic according to personal preference to make it more or less garlicky.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
