If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor all in one pot, the Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy beef stew meat infused with fragrant garlic and rich butter flavors, slowly cooked alongside tender-yet-firm baby Yukon gold potatoes. This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners when you want something effortless yet deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the full-bodied flavor and perfect texture of the dish. From the savory spices to the creamy butter and fresh garlic, every element contributes to making this meal unforgettable.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled stew meat for ultimate tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor in a gentle, well-rounded way.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Provides the perfect balance of seasoning to bring out all the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic ensures a punch of aromatic intensity that butter will mellow beautifully.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads: These pockets of butter melt into the beef and potatoes, creating richness and a silky sauce.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These little gems hold their shape and become tender, soaking up all the savory juices.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering your beef stew meat, potatoes, and seasonings. Make sure the potatoes are washed and ready to go—no peeling needed here, since the baby Yukon golds have tender skins that add texture and nutrition.
Step 2: Layer Beef and Potatoes
Place the beef stew meat on one side of your slow cooker and the baby potatoes on the other. This keeps the potatoes from getting too mushy while allowing the beef to create its rich juices in its own space.
Step 3: Season Everything Up
Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both the beef and potatoes. Toss the beef gently to ensure every bite is infused with those savory seasonings, but keep the potatoes separate for the perfect bite every time.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Butter
Scatter the freshly chopped garlic over the beef and potatoes, then dot the top with generous pads of butter. As the butter melts, it melds with the garlic and seasonings to create a luscious sauce you’ll want to savor with every mouthful.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours. This slow, gentle heat allows the beef to become tender and the potatoes to soak up all those buttery, garlicky flavors without losing their shape. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy haven.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop of color and brightness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the beef bites right before serving. A dash of cracked black pepper can also enhance the savory depth without overpowering the rich buttery notes.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans. The freshness and crunch balance the creamy, tender textures and keep the meal feeling well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or buttery egg noodles. Alternatively, plate it up in small, rustic cast iron skillets for a charming, restaurant-quality presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld even more over time, making the next-day meal just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish for longer, you can freeze the beef and potatoes separately to maintain texture. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven covered with foil. This prevents the butter from separating and keeps the beef juicy. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the potatoes a bit mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby Yukon golds are ideal for their creamy texture and skin, red potatoes or fingerlings would also work well. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly based on potato size and type.
Is it necessary to cut the butter into small pads?
Yes, cutting the butter into smaller pads helps it melt evenly throughout the cooking process, ensuring every bit of beef and potato gets coated with that luscious buttery goodness.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
You can! Adding carrots or mushrooms about halfway through cooking works well. Just be mindful of their different cooking times so everything finishes perfectly tender without turning to mush.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for the oven by cooking in a covered Dutch oven at 300°F for about 2 to 2½ hours until the beef is tender. Keep an eye on the liquid levels and add a splash of beef broth if needed.
How do I make the beef extra tender in this recipe?
The low-and-slow method of cooking is the key to tender beef bites. Making sure to give the beef a full six hours on low breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe is one of those effortless dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The tender beef, rich butter, and garlicky goodness create a combination that’s truly hard to beat. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how simple and satisfying slow cooker meals can be—your kitchen and taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful Garlic Butter Beef Bites slow-cooked to perfection with baby Yukon gold potatoes and a savory blend of garlic, onion, and seasoned salt. This easy slow cooker recipe yields juicy beef and tender potatoes infused with rich butter and aromatic garlic for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Separate the beef stew meat and baby Yukon gold potatoes to prepare for layering in the slow cooker.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the beef stew meat in one half of the slow cooker insert and the potatoes in the other half. This separation ensures even cooking and prevents flavor mingling until mixed.
- Season the Meat and Potatoes: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both sides of the beef and the potatoes, enhancing their flavor.
- Toss the Beef: Gently toss the beef stew meat to evenly distribute the seasonings while keeping the meat separate from the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Evenly sprinkle the chopped garlic over the meat and potatoes. Place pats of butter on top to melt during cooking, enriching the dish with a buttery, garlicky aroma and taste.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the dish for 6 hours or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the beef bites and potatoes hot, spooning the flavorful sauce from the slow cooker over the top for added moisture and taste.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, but this step is optional.
- If you prefer, replace baby Yukon gold potatoes with red potatoes or fingerlings for a different texture.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste, especially the seasoned salt, to control sodium levels.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free variation, but it will alter the flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
