Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Posted on February 3, 2025
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Craving a hearty, flavorful, and effortless meal? These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed with rich, buttery garlic goodness. The beef slow-cooks to perfection while absorbing all the savory flavors, and the potatoes soak up the delicious juices for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this one-pot dish requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Serve it with crusty bread or a side of greens for a complete meal!

Ingredients

For the Beef Bites:

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast or sirloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for a light coating)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup beef broth

For the Potatoes & Vegetables:

  • 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved (or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 large carrots, cut into chunks (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra melted butter for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, season the beef with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Toss to coat.
  3. (Optional) Sprinkle the beef with all-purpose flour and toss again—this helps create a richer sauce as it cooks.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional for Extra Flavor)

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, just until browned. This step enhances flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

  1. Add the halved potatoes, sliced onions, and carrots (if using) to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
  2. Place the beef bites on top of the potatoes.
  3. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over everything.

Step 5: Slow Cook

  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
  2. Stir gently before serving to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle with extra melted butter if desired.
  2. Serve hot with crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Tips

  1. Choose the Right Cut: Chuck roast is best for slow cooking, as it becomes incredibly tender. Sirloin works well too, but it cooks faster.
  2. Don’t Skip the Sear: While optional, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds a deeper, richer flavor.
  3. Adjust Garlic to Taste: Love garlic? Add even more! Prefer a milder taste? Reduce the garlic slightly.
  4. Use Fresh Herbs If Possible: Fresh thyme and rosemary enhance the flavor, but dried herbs work great too.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage Instructions

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  2. Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  3. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or butter to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Variations

  1. Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
  2. Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or Gruyère over the dish before serving.
  3. Mushroom Addition: Toss in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms for an extra savory depth.
  4. Wine-Infused Sauce: Replace half of the beef broth with red wine for a rich, sophisticated flavor.
  5. Low-Carb Option: Skip the potatoes and serve over mashed cauliflower or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 38g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g

FAQ

1. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sear the beef using the Sauté function, then add all ingredients. Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.

2. Can I use frozen beef?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed beef for even cooking, but you can use frozen beef and add an extra hour to the cooking time.

3. Can I use baby carrots instead of sliced carrots?
Absolutely! Baby carrots work great and save time on chopping.

4. What should I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, buttered noodles, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad.

5. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! You can substitute pork shoulder or boneless chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken will cook faster (about 4 hours on LOW).