Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and aromatic flavors. The tender beef bites are seared to lock in their juices, then slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce that soaks into the potatoes, making every bite a burst of flavor. The recipe is simple, yet delivers an impressive meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s made in a slow cooker, meaning it’s practically hands-off once everything is prepped!

Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil for searing the beef

Directions

Prepare the beef by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and halving the baby potatoes.
(Optional) Parboil the potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites, cooking them until browned on all sides. This step adds rich flavor to the meat.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
Add the halved baby potatoes and seared beef into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add the 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.
Once done, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add additional vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to customize the dish.
Beef Cuts: Swap out the beef stew meat for other cuts like sirloin or chuck for a different texture.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil, or add a touch of lemon zest for a fresh twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to retain moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef stew meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat. Just be sure to thaw it first for even cooking.

2. Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can. Sear the beef in the Instant Pot, then follow the recipe steps. Cook on the slow cook setting for 3-4 hours, or use the pressure cook setting for 25 minutes.

3. How do I know when the beef is fork-tender?

The beef is done when it easily shreds or falls apart when you insert a fork. It should be tender and juicy.

4. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat for about 2 hours or until the beef and potatoes are tender.

5. Can I use different types of potatoes?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold or russet potatoes can be used in place of baby potatoes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the lid of the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce.

7. Can I substitute chicken for the beef?

While this recipe is designed for beef, you can substitute chicken, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.

8. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, adding shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking can create a delicious cheesy, gooey finish.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then reheat it when ready to serve.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients, but be sure to use a larger slow cooker and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a truly satisfying meal that combines tender beef, rich butter, and perfectly cooked potatoes. It’s a comforting dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will surely be a hit.

Lily