If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef bites perfectly paired with soft, savory baby potatoes soak up a rich garlic butter sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Every bite delivers a beautiful harmony of buttery goodness, hearty textures, and just the right balance of spices, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend feasts. Trust me, this dish will quickly become your go-to comfort food that’s as simple to make as it is mouthwateringly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe truly shine. These essentials are straightforward but bring a perfect blend of flavors and textures — from rich butter and aromatic herbs to tender beef and baby potatoes that soak it all up beautifully.
- Beef stew meat (1.5 pounds): Choose good quality for tender, juicy bites that melt in your mouth.
- Baby potatoes (1 pound): These little gems cook quickly and absorb the savory sauce wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The cornerstone of that luscious garlic butter sauce you’ll love every bite of.
- Garlic cloves (3): Fresh garlic provides an irresistible aroma and deep flavor that makes this dish special.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the beef’s savory taste.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, smoky undertone that complements the richness perfectly.
- Dried thyme (0.5 teaspoon): Offers a delicate herbal note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Dried rosemary (0.5 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant pine-like aroma that pairs beautifully with beef.
- Beef broth (0.25 cup): Keeps everything moist and infuses a deep meaty flavor as it slow cooks.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For a quick sear that locks in the beef’s juiciness before slow cooking.
- Salt (0.5 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (0.25 teaspoon): Adds just enough heat and depth to balance the dish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): A bright pop of color and freshness to finish the dish perfectly.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting your beef into bite-sized pieces that are easy to enjoy in one or two bites. Then halve the baby potatoes to help them cook evenly and absorb more of that amazing garlic butter goodness. Taking the time to prep these ingredients well sets the foundation for the rest of the recipe.
Step 2: Optional Parboil the Potatoes
For a creamier potato texture and a speedier cook time, you can parboil the halved potatoes for a few minutes until they’re slightly softened. This step is optional but can make a noticeable difference in the final tenderness.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef pieces until beautifully browned on all sides. This quick searing step gives the beef an irresistible crust and locks in those juicy flavors that develop during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. This sauce is what transforms simple ingredients into a dish bursting with complexity and richness. The garlic butter melds with herbs and spices in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Layer and Add Liquids in Slow Cooker
Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker, then layer the seared beef on top. Pour the fragrant garlic butter sauce evenly over everything, followed by the beef broth. This layering helps the potatoes soak up all those savory juices as everything cooks slowly to perfection.
Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooker gently melts the beef to fork-tender perfection while infusing every bite with garlic and herb flavors. Your kitchen will smell incredible during this wait time.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and juices to redistribute. This simple pause makes a big difference in taste and texture, ensuring each bite of the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe is as delicious as possible.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh, finely chopped parsley right before serving to add a burst of vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly peppery note that contrasts beautifully with the rich garlic butter sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies can add freshness and lighten the meal. A crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls are also fantastic for sopping up all the extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the beef bites and potatoes in rustic small cast iron skillets straight from the slow cooker. Alternatively, arrange the potatoes and beef bites on a charming wooden board with sprigs of thyme and rosemary alongside, perfect for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for an easy, flavorful meal the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to warm through evenly without drying out the beef. Adding a splash of beef broth can help keep everything moist. Microwave reheating works too but be mindful to cover the dish to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works wonderfully for this recipe, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes or even sirloin tips. Just make sure the meat is suited for slow cooking to achieve that tender, fall-apart texture.
Do I have to parboil the potatoes?
Parboiling potatoes helps them cook faster and become softer, but it is optional. If you’re short on time, skipping this step is fine; the potatoes just might have a slightly firmer bite when served.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for the oven by layering everything in a covered casserole dish and baking at 325°F for 2–3 hours until beef is tender. Just keep an eye on the moisture and add extra broth as needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe leans more toward savory and aromatic flavors rather than spicy heat. The smoked paprika adds warmth and depth but not strong spiciness. You can adjust seasonings to your preference.
Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free alternative?
Definitely! Using a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil will still produce a delicious garlic-infused sauce. The flavor profile might vary slightly, but it will remain rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that warms your soul and leaves your kitchen smelling amazing. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, it delivers irresistible flavors without complicated techniques. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal.
Print
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender beef stew meat and baby potatoes infused with a rich garlic butter sauce seasoned with smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Perfect for a hands-off meal that develops deep flavors over several hours of slow cooking.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
Sauce and Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 0.25 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking and easier serving.
- Optional Parboil Potatoes: Parboil the halved potatoes for a few minutes until they are slightly softened. This step helps reduce the slow cooker time for potatoes and ensures they cook evenly.
- Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear it until it is nicely browned on all sides. This step locks in the meat’s juices and adds a rich flavor.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the ingredients. Add the beef broth to provide moisture during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, let the dish rest in the slow cooker for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Parboiling the potatoes is optional but helps them cook faster and evenly in the slow cooker.
- Searing the beef adds more flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- The slow cooker method allows flavors to deeply develop and the beef to become very tender.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
