Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Tender Potatoes

introduction

This slow-cooker recipe turns simple ingredients into a cozy, flavorful meal: tender Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes that are perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. The beef stews slowly in a garlicky butter sauce with halved baby potatoes until everything is fork-tender and infused with herbs and smoked paprika. For a quick stovetop comparison and serving ideas, see this juicy garlic butter steak bites with crispy potatoes.

why make this recipe

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work so you can set it and forget it.
• Comfort food with depth: Butter, garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary create a rich, layered flavor.
• One-pot convenience: Beef and potatoes cook together, minimizing dishes and maximizing ease.
• Versatile: Works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.

how to make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

This slow-cooker method focuses on building flavor before low-and-slow cooking so the bites stay juicy and the potatoes soak up the garlic butter.

1. Prep ingredients: Cut 1.5 pounds of beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces and halve 1 pound of baby potatoes.
2. (Optional) Parboil the potatoes for a few minutes to slightly soften them and shorten slow-cooker time. Drain well.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites in batches until browned on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
4. Make the garlic butter sauce by combining 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme, 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
5. Place the halved baby potatoes into the slow cooker with the beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add 0.25 cup beef broth to keep everything moist.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
7. Let the dish rest about 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.

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 :

Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
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.
In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
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.
Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

how to serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

• Serve hot straight from the slow cooker with a spoonful of the garlic butter sauce over the top.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness.
• Pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
• For an indulgent plate, serve alongside buttered egg noodles or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

how to store Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

• Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

tips to make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

• Sear the beef well: Browning adds depth through the Maillard reaction and improves flavor.
• Don’t skip the garlic butter: Melting the butter and mixing the seasonings before adding concentrates the flavors.
• Parboil potatoes for even texture if you prefer them very tender.
• Use beef broth or a splash of red wine for extra richness if desired.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; slow cooking can mellow spices.

variation (if any)

• Stovetop/skillet version: After searing, finish the dish in a heavy skillet with a lid and simmer until tender for a quicker option.
• Vegetables: Add carrots or mushrooms in the last 2 hours of slow cooking so they don’t over-soften.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for heat.
• Herb swap: Replace rosemary and thyme with Italian seasoning or fresh chopped herbs if available.

FAQ

Q: Can I use other cuts of beef?
A: Yes — chuck roast cut into bites or short ribs trimmed and cut will work well for slow cooking.

Q: How do I prevent dry beef?
A: Sear to lock in juices and ensure there’s some liquid (beef broth) in the slow cooker; avoid overcooking beyond the recommended times.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is not overfilled; increase cooking time slightly if packed tightly.

Conclusion

If you want another take on garlic butter steaks and potatoes for inspiration or plating ideas, check this recipe for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes – The Country Cook.