Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes is a simple, comforting meal where tender chunks of beef and soft potatoes soak up all the rich, garlicky butter flavors. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma and promises a warm, satisfying dinner.
I love how easy this recipe is to put together. Just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you have a meal that tastes like it simmered for hours. The garlic butter makes every bite juicy and flavorful, and the potatoes come out perfectly soft, soaking up all those tasty juices.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the slow cooker into bowls, maybe with a simple green salad on the side. It’s perfect for busy days or when you want a meal that feels homemade without a ton of effort. This dish always brings everyone together around the table, and it’s one I find myself making again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This cut is perfect because it becomes tender after slow cooking. If you prefer, chuck roast cut into cubes works well too. For a leaner option, try sirloin tips but they may cook quicker.
Baby Gold Potatoes: They cook evenly and hold their shape nicely. You can use red potatoes or fingerlings as substitutes. Avoid large potatoes; they take longer to cook and might get mushy.
Butter and Garlic: Butter brings richness, while fresh minced garlic delivers strong flavor. You can swap butter for olive oil for a lighter taste, but the buttery flavor is hard to beat here.
Herbs & Spices: Dried oregano, thyme, and parsley add earthiness. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them—just add at the end to keep flavors bright. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note; sweet paprika works if you want milder flavor.
Beef Broth or Water: The broth adds depth, but water is fine if you don’t have broth. Worcestershire sauce amps up umami, but soy sauce is a good alternative.
How Do I Keep Beef Tender in the Slow Cooker?
To get tender beef bites, slow and low is key. Here’s how:
- Cut Evenly: Cube the beef evenly so it cooks uniformly.
- Low Heat: Cook on low for 6-7 hours rather than high to break down the connective tissue and keep it juicy.
- Don’t Over-stir: Stir gently at the end to avoid breaking the meat.
- Check Potatoes Size: Smaller potatoes cook better with the beef and stay intact.
By following these tips, your beef bites will turn out tender and full of flavor every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I love it because it cooks everything evenly and frees up stove space.
- Mixing bowl – helps you whisk together the butter, garlic, and spices easily.
- Meat cutter or knife – for cubing the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep the ingredients just right.
- Optional: Tongs – for gently stirring and serving the beef and potatoes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef stew meat for chicken thighs or pork shoulder for a different protein.
- Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for a burst of herby flavor.
- Mix in sliced mushrooms, carrots, or green beans toward the end for extra veggies.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar before serving for a flavor twist.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes, halved or quartered if large
For the Garlic Butter Sauce and Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Time Needed to Make This Dish
This recipe takes about 10 to 15 minutes for prep and then 6 to 7 hours of slow cooking on low, making it perfect for a day when you want to set it and forget it. The long cooking time allows the beef and potatoes to become tender and full of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, parsley, thyme, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. This creates a flavorful sauce that will soak into the beef and potatoes.
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Place the beef cubes and baby potatoes into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top. Gently toss everything together so the beef and potatoes are evenly coated with the sauce.
3. Slow Cook the Beef and Potatoes:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours. The beef will become tender and juicy, and the potatoes will be soft but not mushy.
4. Finish and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, give the mixture a gentle stir to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, colorful touch.
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
You can, but be sure to fully thaw the beef in the refrigerator before cooking. Using frozen beef may increase the cooking time and affect the texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Potatoes?
Yes! You can use red potatoes, fingerlings, or Yukon gold potatoes. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Is It Possible to Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Adding carrots, mushrooms, or green beans during the last hour of cooking works well to include more veggies without overcooking them.