These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are simply mouthwatering! Tender beef and soft potatoes swim in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes every bite special.
I love throwing everything together in the slow cooker, letting it do all the work. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl when we sit down to enjoy this delicious meal! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. You could also use chuck roast or brisket, but cut them into cubes. For a lighter option, consider using chicken thighs instead.
Baby Potatoes: These are great for their creamy texture and they don’t need peeling. If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes (just cut them into smaller pieces) or even sweet potatoes for a twist.
Unsalted Butter: I recommend unsalted so you can control the salt level. You can substitute with ghee or olive oil if you want a healthier fat option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor! If you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic works too, but the taste won’t be as vibrant.
Beef Broth & Worcestershire Sauce: Both add depth to the dish. If you need a substitute, vegetable broth and soy sauce can add nice flavors as well, especially for vegetarian versions (just omit the beef).
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
The secret to tender beef lies in both the cooking time and the searing process. Searing the beef before slow cooking helps lock in flavors and gives a richer taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to sear beef in batches; overcrowding will steam instead of brown.
- Don’t rush the cooking time in the slow cooker. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become.
- Always check for doneness; tender beef should pull apart easily with a fork.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let your slow cooker do the work! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In total, you can expect to invest about 7-8 hours from start to finish, but most of that is hands-off time while you relax or tackle other tasks.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In batches, sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. This step is key for bringing out that delicious garlic flavor!
3. Mixing in the Broth:
Next, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Now, pour this garlicky mixture over the beef in your slow cooker.
4. Adding the Potatoes:
Add the halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker, tossing everything together to ensure the potatoes mix well with the beef and sauce.
5. Finishing Touches:
Place the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter on top of the beef and potatoes to add more richness to the dish.
6. Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and the potatoes cooked through, soaking up all that lovely flavor!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. You want it to be just right!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Finally, garnish your hearty meal with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful finish. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh beef for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen beef. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before searing. Cooking times may vary slightly if starting from frozen.
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Potatoes?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to mix things up, you can add vegetables like carrots, green beans, or celery. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Add them halfway through the cooking time if you don’t want them to become too soft.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Make This Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Use a Dutch oven instead. Follow the same steps and then cover it and cook on low heat on the stove for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
