If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine tender, juicy beef stew bites soaking up rich garlic butter flavors, paired perfectly with creamy baby Yukon gold potatoes—all slow-cooked to perfection so every mouthful bursts with comforting goodness. This recipe is a simple yet indulgent way to bring a cozy, home-cooked meal to your table with minimal effort but maximum reward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, with each component playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Using just a handful of pantry staples and fresh basics, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it took all day to prepare.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for tender, flavorful bites that melt in your mouth after slow cooking.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These small potatoes hold their shape beautifully and become perfectly creamy inside.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlicky essence without overpowering the dish.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: The perfect all-in-one seasoning to elevate both the beef and potatoes.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic pieces that melt down to infuse rich aromatic flavor throughout.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads: Butter is the star of the sauce, creating that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by placing your beef stew meat on one half of the slow cooker, and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other half. Keeping them separate at this stage helps each to cook perfectly without blending textures too soon.
Step 2: Season Everything Evenly
Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both the beef and the potatoes. Then, very carefully toss only the beef side so every bite is well-seasoned. This careful seasoning ensures every morsel of beef bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Add Fresh Garlic and Butter
Evenly scatter the chopped garlic over the beef and potatoes, then add the butter by placing five one-tablespoon pads on top. The butter melts down slowly during cooking, bathing everything in a rich, garlicky sauce that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 6 hours. The low and slow heat tenderizes the beef bites beautifully and softens the potatoes to creamy perfection. When done, the savory butter and garlic sauce will be ready to spoon over your serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chopped chives for a bright contrast to the buttery richness. A light dusting not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh bite that lifts the whole meal.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to add more, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans complement the richness wonderfully and bring freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe elegantly in rustic ramekins or over a bed of fluffy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist. For a casual meal, pile it high on a warm plate and spoon extra sauce over everything to soak the potatoes to deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef bites and potatoes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, making sure to leave a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the beef tender and the butter sauce silky. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout—just be careful not to overcook it again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for tender results, you can also use chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure it is well-marbled for the best flavor and texture after slow cooking.
What if I don’t have baby Yukon gold potatoes?
Feel free to swap with any small waxy potatoes like red potatoes or fingerlings. These varieties hold their shape during slow cooking much better than starchy potatoes like Russets.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Yes! You can adapt this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cooking on high for about 35-40 minutes with a natural release.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Carrots and pearl onions would pair wonderfully with this dish and can be added with the potatoes to cook alongside the beef bites.
How do I avoid the butter from burning during slow cooking?
By placing the butter pads on top of the beef and potatoes and cooking on low, the slow cooker gently melts the butter without burning it, infusing the dish with rich garlic flavor throughout.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe, it quickly feels like an absolute kitchen staple because it’s just so delicious and fuss-free. Whether for a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend dinner, the combination of tender beef, buttery garlic goodness, and perfectly cooked potatoes will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and experience why this recipe always feels like a warm, hearty celebration on your plate!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender beef stew meat and baby Yukon gold potatoes slow-cooked with garlic, butter, and a blend of savory spices for a comforting and flavorful meal. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers juicy, buttery beef bites paired perfectly with soft potatoes, making it an ideal dish for a hassle-free dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
Butter
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the beef stew meat in one half of the slow cooker and the baby Yukon gold potatoes in the other half, keeping them separated as much as possible.
- Season the ingredients: Evenly sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both the beef and the potatoes.
- Toss the beef: Very carefully toss the beef side together to ensure all pieces are well coated with the seasoning, maintaining separation from the potatoes.
- Add garlic and butter: Evenly sprinkle the chopped garlic over the top, then place the pads of butter on top of the beef and potatoes.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the beef is tender and fully cooked through, and the potatoes are soft.
- Serve: Spoon the flavorful sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the beef bites and potatoes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and savory meal!
Notes
- For best results, use baby Yukon gold potatoes as they cook evenly and absorb flavors well.
- Keep the beef and potatoes separated in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning distribution.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the beef and potatoes at the end and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce it slightly.
- Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for added flavor and color.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings; just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
