slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes Recipe

If you are craving a meal that wraps you up in cozy comfort and delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort, then slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes is exactly the dish for you. This recipe brings together tender, flavorful beef stew meat and perfectly soft baby Yukon gold potatoes, all infused with rich garlic butter and a blend of simple seasonings. The beauty of this meal lies not only in its mouthwatering taste but also in the ease of preparation—set it in your slow cooker in the morning and come back to a feast that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is a small but mighty player, combining to create layers of flavor and texture that make the dish unforgettable. From the buttery richness to the gentle earthiness of Yukon gold potatoes, here’s what you’ll want to gather before cooking.

• 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for juicy, tender bites after slow cooking.
• 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These small potatoes hold their shape beautifully and add a subtle buttery flavor.
• 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a sweet-savory undertone that enhances the beef without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the garlic notes beyond the fresh garlic for a layered taste.
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Balances and lifts the overall seasoning for every bite.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic imparts an aromatic punch that’s essential for that garlic butter profile.
• 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads: This is the secret to rich flavor and luscious texture, melting over beef and potatoes during cooking.

How to Make slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes

Step 1: Arrange Meat and Potatoes Carefully

Begin by placing your beef stew meat on one side of the slow cooker and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other. This separation might seem small, but it helps each component cook evenly, ensuring the beef stays tender while your potatoes remain perfectly intact.

Step 2: Season Evenly and Toss Beef

Next, sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both the beef and potatoes. Then, very gently toss the beef side so all the meat pieces are coated with the seasoning, all while keeping the potatoes separated to avoid breaking them apart. This careful seasoning step sets the foundation for layers of deep flavor.

Step 3: Add Fresh Garlic and Butter

Sprinkle the chopped garlic over the top of both beef and potatoes, and then arrange the butter pads evenly across the slow cooker contents. As the butter melts during cooking, it will mingle with the garlic and seasonings to create an irresistibly buttery sauce that brings everything together.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This gentle, slow heat tenderizes the beef while letting the potatoes soak up the garlic butter goodness. After cooking, you’ll find the beef tender, and the potatoes soft yet intact, all accompanied by a rich sauce perfect for spooning over the top.

How to Serve slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter. If you want a little extra zing, a quick dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can bring a nice mild heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you want to add some extra veggies or texture, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce is always a welcome companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, serve everything together in a rustic slow cooker insert or a large, shallow serving bowl so everyone can dig in. For a dinner party, portion out beef bites and potatoes on warm plates, then drizzle with the slow cooker juices and garnish thoughtfully for an elegant yet approachable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to include some of the garlic butter sauce to keep it moist. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a small pat of fresh butter during reheating can rejuvenate the glossy garlic butter sauce beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While baby Yukon gold potatoes offer a buttery texture and hold up well during slow cooking, you can swap in baby red potatoes or fingerlings without much difference. Just keep in mind some varieties might become softer or more crumbly.

Is it necessary to keep the meat and potatoes separate in the slow cooker?

Separating the meat from the potatoes helps ensure both cook evenly and maintain their ideal textures. If mixed together, the potatoes might get too mushy or the beef might not brown properly before slow cooking fully tenderizes it.

What can I substitute for seasoned salt if I don’t have any?

You can easily make your own blend by mixing regular salt with a little paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This homemade seasoning works great in slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes.

Can I use less butter to make this dish healthier?

Yes, you can reduce the butter slightly, but keep in mind that it’s a key flavor and texture component. Alternatively, you could try using a mix of butter and a heart-healthy oil like olive oil for a lighter take.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly once cooked?

Definitely! Cooked slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes freeze and reheat beautifully. Just make sure to store in airtight containers and thaw properly in the fridge before warming up.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes is one of those meals that feels special while being incredibly straightforward to make. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a comforting, flavorful dinner waiting for you with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how this simple combination of ingredients transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth delight you’ll want to make again and again.

Print