Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Fluffy Potatoes

introduction

This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe pairs tender, fork-ready beef with halved baby potatoes in a rich garlic-butter sauce infused with smoked paprika and herbs. It’s a slow-cooker comfort dish that fills the kitchen with savory aroma and delivers melt-in-your-mouth bites with minimal hands-on time.

why make this recipe

• Easy prep and low-maintenance cooking: sear, toss in the slow cooker, and let it cook.
• Crowd-pleasing flavors: garlic butter, smoked paprika, and herbs create a deep, comforting taste.
• Great for meal prep or family dinners—leftovers reheat well and stay flavorful.

how to make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Follow these straightforward steps to get tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes in a garlicky butter sauce.

Ingredients :

• 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
• 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted for the garlic butter sauce.)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning.)
• 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)

Directions :

1. Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
2. Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
4. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
5. In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
7. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

how to serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

• Serve hot, spooning extra sauce from the slow cooker over the beef and potatoes.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra black pepper.
• Pair with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.

how to store Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

• Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened.

tips to make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

• Browning the beef first adds flavor and helps seal in juices—don’t skip this step if possible.
• Parboiling potatoes shortens slow-cook time and ensures tender centers without overcooking the beef.
• Use room-temperature butter and fresh garlic for the brightest flavor in the sauce.
• Adjust salt and paprika to taste; smoked paprika intensity varies by brand.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking on high or thicken on the stovetop with a cornstarch slurry.

variation (if any)

• Stovetop/oven version: After searing, transfer to a covered oven-safe dish and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1.5–2 hours, or simmer covered on the stovetop until tender.
• Add vegetables: Toss in carrots or pearl onions at the start for a one-pot meal.
• Swap proteins: Try the same method with cubed pork shoulder or boneless chicken thighs (adjust cooking time accordingly).

FAQ

Q: Can I use larger potatoes or russets?
A: Yes, but cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Larger or denser potatoes may need a longer cook time or brief parboiling.

Q: Is it okay to skip searing the beef?
A: You can skip it, but searing develops flavor and texture. If short on time, add an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.

Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
A: Halve small baby potatoes and optionally parboil briefly to control texture. Avoid overcooking—check tenderness near the end of the recommended time.

Conclusion

For a comparable recipe and inspiration for a stovetop take on this dish, see Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes – The Country Cook.