These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are as tasty as they sound! Tender beef chunks are cooked slowly with rich garlic butter and soft potatoes. Yum!
I love how convenient this dish is. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax. Dinner practically makes itself! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I suggest using beef sirloin or stew meat. Both become tender when cooked in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using tenderloin. Ground beef is also an option but will have a different texture.
Baby Potatoes: These are great because they cook evenly and are the perfect size. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can chop larger potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a wonderful flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you could use garlic powder instead. Though I find fresh provides the best taste and aroma.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary add depth to the dish. If you have fresh herbs, use those! They usually enhance the flavor even more. You can also sub with Italian seasoning if you prefer an herby mix.
How Do You Ensure Your Beef is Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to tender beef in this recipe is slow cooking. Low heat allows the meat to break down and become soft while absorbing all those delicious flavors from the garlic and herbs.
- Brown the beef in a skillet first if you have time. This step adds a rich flavor, though it’s optional!
- Don’t rush the cooking time. Stick to the recommended 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Letting it cook longer enhances tenderness.
Remember to avoid lifting the lid too often. Each peek releases heat and can extend cooking time. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tantalizing dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Perfect for a day when you want a delicious meal without a lot of fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Flavor Base:
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined nicely.
2. Coat the Beef:
Add the beef chunks to your butter-garlic mixture in the bowl. Toss them gently to make sure all the pieces are well-coated and covered in that tasty mixture. Set this aside for now.
3. Layer the Potatoes:
Take your slow cooker and place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom in a single layer. This way they can cook evenly below the beef.
4. Add Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper for added flavor.
5. Add the Beef:
Now, layer the butter-coated beef bites over the potatoes in the slow cooker. Make sure you pour any leftover garlic butter mixture from the bowl over the meat and potatoes—this enhances the flavor even more!
6. Cook It Up:
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the beef to be tender and the potatoes to be soft. The smell will be amazing!
7. Final Touches:
Once your cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir to mix the flavors together. It will look and smell delicious!
8. Serve:
Serve the hot beef bites and potatoes on a plate, and don’t forget to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a lovely finish.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful slow-cooked beef bites with buttery garlic potatoes!
FAQs for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use thawed beef for even cooking, you can use frozen beef if you adjust the cooking time. If using frozen, expect to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time since it will take longer to reach the safe temperature and tenderize.
What Can I Substitute for Baby Potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use larger potatoes. Just chop them into similar-sized bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work really well as substitutes.
How Can I Adjust the Recipe for a Smaller Serving Size?
To adjust for fewer servings, halve the ingredients and reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. You can always scale the recipe to fit your needs while keeping the same flavor profile!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the beef moist.
