Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a simple and comforting dish that brings together tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce. The slow cooker makes everything melt-in-your-mouth delicious without much effort, filling your kitchen with such a lovely aroma as it cooks.
I love how easy this recipe is to put together. I just toss the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker with plenty of garlic and butter, then let it do its thing while I go about my day. It feels like a little gift to myself when I come back to a warm, flavorful meal waiting to be enjoyed.
For me, this dish is perfect served right from the slow cooker at a cozy family dinner. I like adding a side of steamed veggies or a simple green salad to balance out the richness. It’s one of those meals that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making it a go-to for busy evenings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This cut is perfect because it becomes tender and juicy in the slow cooker. If you can’t find stew meat, chuck roast cut into cubes works well too. Avoid very lean cuts, as they can dry out.
Baby Gold Potatoes: Their thin skin cooks beautifully without peeling. You can substitute with red potatoes or fingerlings. Just make sure they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
Butter & Garlic: These create the rich, flavorful base. If you want a lighter option, use olive oil but keep the garlic for the best aroma and taste.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and deep flavor. If you don’t have broth, water with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce works as a handy substitute.
How Do You Keep Beef Tender and Potatoes Perfectly Cooked in the Slow Cooker?
The key is balancing cooking time and size. Cube the beef into small, even pieces so it cooks gently and stays tender. Baby potatoes should be whole but uniform-sized for even cooking.
- Coat beef and potatoes well with butter and seasoning to keep them moist during cooking.
- Add broth to prevent drying out and create a flavorful sauce.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours for the best tenderness and juicy results.
- Check potatoes—you want them soft but not mushy; timed right, they retain shape but cook through.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – It gently cooks the beef and potatoes, making them tender without needing much attention.
- Mixing bowl – Perfect for mixing the butter, garlic, and seasonings evenly with the beef and potatoes.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – To cut the beef into uniform pieces quickly and safely.
- Measuring spoons – Help you measure spices and seasonings accurately for the best flavor.
- Spoon or spatula – Useful for stirring the cooked dish gently without scratching the slow cooker.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter, quicker-cooking option that still stays juicy.
- Add baby carrots or pearl onions for a bit of sweetness and color that complements the savory beef.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving to add a rich, salty flavor boost.
- Try fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a fragrant, earthy twist.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 pounds baby gold potatoes, washed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. It’s a simple hands-off meal that lets the slow cooker do all the work for tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Garlic Butter Seasoning:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well so the flavors blend into a tasty garlic butter sauce.
2. Coat the Beef and Potatoes:
Add the bite-sized beef pieces and baby potatoes to the bowl. Toss everything together until the meat and potatoes are fully coated with the garlic butter mixture, making sure every piece is covered.
3. Slow Cook the Dish:
Transfer the coated beef and potatoes into your slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over everything to add moisture. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft.
4. Finish and Serve:
Once cooking is done, gently stir the beef and potatoes to mix in the flavorful juices. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright, fresh touch. Serve it hot with your favorite side like steamed veggies or a fresh salad.
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat in This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the beef completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents extra liquid from making the dish watery.
Can I Substitute Regular Potatoes for Baby Potatoes?
You can, but cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook through in the slow cooker at the same rate as the beef. Larger chunks may stay undercooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce feels too thick.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Baby carrots, pearl onions, or green beans are great additions. Just add them about halfway through cooking to prevent overcooking.
