These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are a cozy meal that’s full of flavor! Tender beef and buttery potatoes cook together until they’re melt-in-your-mouth good.
I love how easy it is to just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Plus, you only need a few ingredients, making it perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin for its tenderness, but any stew meat works well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try lean cuts like round or flank steak. For a different flavor, you could even use chicken or mushrooms for a vegetarian version!
Baby Potatoes: These create a great texture and soak up the flavors. If you don’t have baby potatoes, feel free to use regular potatoes, just chop them into smaller pieces. Sweet potatoes could also add a nice twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the traditional choice, but you can substitute with olive oil or vegan butter for a healthier or dairy-free option. It may alter the taste slightly but still offers a lovely richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the most flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be an alternative. Just use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for 1 clove of fresh garlic.
How Do I Get the Beef to be Tender in the Slow Cooker?
To achieve perfectly tender beef, searing the meat before it hits the slow cooker is key. This step adds a deep flavor and seals in moisture. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes until all sides are browned. It doesn’t have to be cooked through at this stage.
- Layer the beef over the potatoes in the slow cooker and pour the remaining moisture-rich garlic butter mix on top.
Cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours is best. Patience is vital, as the slow cooking allows the tough meat fibers to break down, resulting in deliciously tender bites!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes for prep. Then, let your slow cooker do all the work for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely mixed together.
2. Coat the Beef:
Add the bite-sized pieces of beef to the bowl, tossing them until they are thoroughly coated with the garlic butter mixture. This is where all the flavor starts!
3. Sear the Beef (Optional):
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef bites and sear them for about 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. This step is not necessary but adds great depth of flavor!
4. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Place the baby potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, layer the seared beef bites over the potatoes evenly.
5. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Pour the remaining garlic butter mixture and beef broth over the meat and potatoes, ensuring everything is well coated.
6. Cook It:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through!
7. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, gently stir everything to combine the flavors. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright touch, then serve hot. Enjoy your comforting meal of garlic butter beef bites with tender potatoes!
FAQ for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Make sure to dry it with paper towels before mixing with the other ingredients for better flavor absorption!
What If I Don’t Have Baby Potatoes?
No problem! You can substitute with regular potatoes, just chop them into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Sweet potatoes are also a delicious alternative that adds a hint of sweetness!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat tolerance!
Can Leftovers be Stored and Reheated?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. You might add a splash of beef broth or water to moisten it if needed!
