Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe Juicy Delight

Juicy garlic butter beef bites promise a mouthwatering adventure for home cooks seeking comfort and flavor.

Slow cookers transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals with minimal effort.

Rich, tender meat melts in your mouth, creating an irresistible dining experience.

Potatoes absorb the savory garlic butter, complementing each succulent bite perfectly.

Simple ingredients combine to create a hearty dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, letting you spend less time cooking and more time savoring.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those days when convenience meets incredible taste.

Why Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Are Hearty

  • Minimal prep transforms basic ingredients into a hearty, delicious meal with almost zero hands-on cooking time.
  • Slow cooking breaks down beef fibers perfectly, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth bites that are incredibly juicy and packed with rich garlic butter flavors.
  • No culinary expertise required- the slow cooker does all the hard work, delivering restaurant-quality results with simple dump-and-go technique.
  • Combines protein and potatoes in a single dish, reducing cleanup and making dinner preparation supremely convenient for busy families or weeknight meals.

Ingredient List for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Meat Protein:
  • Beef Bites: Tender, flavorful protein that creates the main dish, best with chuck roast or sirloin tip for rich taste and even cooking.
Potato Main Ingredient:
  • Baby Potatoes: Hearty, creamy side that absorbs sauce and complements beef, select small uniform potatoes for consistent cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic, Thyme, Rosemary, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder: Aromatic herbs and spices that build complex flavor profile, fresh herbs preferred for brighter taste.
Liquid Components:
  • Beef Broth, Melted Butter: Moisture and richness that tenderizes meat and creates sauce, low-sodium broth recommended for better control of saltiness.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings and cooking medium that enhance overall taste and help with initial beef searing, kosher salt preferred for balanced seasoning.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finish that adds color and light herbal note to completed dish, chopped just before serving for maximum flavor.

Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss beef chunks and sizzle until golden brown on all sides, creating a delicious crust. This step is optional but adds incredible flavor depth. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Craft the Magical Sauce

Whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Smoked paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they create a harmonious, fragrant mixture.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Layers

Arrange ingredients in the slow cooker:
  • Place baby potatoes at the bottom, creating a cozy base
  • Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce over potatoes
  • Nestle beef chunks on top of potatoes
  • Pour remaining garlic butter sauce
  • Add beef broth to create a succulent cooking environment

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let the magic happen:
  • Low setting: 6-8 hours
  • High setting: 3-4 hours

Cooking transforms beef into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and potatoes into creamy delights.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Gently stir to coat everything in the luscious sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Cooking Tips for Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

  • Enhance Beef Searing: Quickly brown meat in hot skillet to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a delicious caramelized exterior that adds complexity to the dish.
  • Potato Prep Perfection: Cut baby potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the slow cooker meal.
  • Customize Herb Blend: Swap dried herbs with fresh thyme and rosemary for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Reduce Fat Option: Replace butter with olive oil or use half butter, half olive oil to create a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify all ingredients, especially beef broth, are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Reheating and Storage Tips for Beef Bites & Potatoes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
  • Transfer cooled beef and potato mixture to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, stirring midway.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F. Add splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.

What to Pair with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

  • Pair the rich, garlicky beef with a crisp, medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir that complements the dish's herbal and buttery notes.
  • Select a Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to stand up to the robust beef flavors and cut through the buttery sauce with their bold tannins.
  • Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, tangy contrast to the hearty meat and potatoes.
  • Cool down the meal's richness with a craft beer like an amber ale or a hoppy IPA that can balance the garlic butter's intensity and cleanse the palate.

Variations for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Replace baby potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the same rich garlic butter flavor and tender meat texture.
  • Herb-Infused Mediterranean Variation: Swap thyme and rosemary with oregano, add kalamata olives, and include diced bell peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired protein-packed meal.
  • Gluten-Free Lean Protein Adaptation: Use coconut aminos instead of traditional seasonings, select grass-fed beef, and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute beef with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, maintaining the garlic butter sauce and cooking method while creating a plant-based alternative that preserves the original recipe's comforting essence.

Questions About Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

  • Why should I sear the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?

Searing helps develop a rich, deep flavor by creating a flavorful brown crust on the meat through a process called the Maillard reaction. While optional, this step enhances the overall taste and complexity of the dish.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. As a general rule, use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.

  • What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Chuck roast, stew meat, or beef sirloin are excellent choices. These cuts are flavorful and become tender during slow cooking. Look for meat with some marbling, which helps keep the beef moist and adds richness to the dish.

  • How do I know when the beef is perfectly cooked in the slow cooker?

The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Typically, this means cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 68 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker garlic butter beef bites & potatoes bring comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to modern dinner tables. Hearty ingredients meld together effortlessly, delivering rich flavors you can savor with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables and Potatoes:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature. Carefully seal beef pieces until achieving a rich, caramelized exterior on all surfaces, creating deep golden-brown coloration.
  2. Craft a luxurious garlic butter infusion by whisking together melted butter, finely minced garlic, aromatic thyme, robust rosemary, smoky paprika, pungent onion powder, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a mixing vessel.
  3. Construct flavor layers within the slow cooker by arranging halved baby potatoes across the base, generously drizzling half the herbed butter mixture to ensure comprehensive coating.
  4. Position seared beef morsels atop the potato foundation, cascading remaining garlic butter sauce over the protein, then delicately stream beef broth to create a moisture-rich cooking environment.
  5. Secure slow cooker lid and allow culinary magic to unfold, selecting low temperature setting for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, ensuring beef reaches meltingly tender consistency and potatoes become perfectly fork-soft.
  6. Once cooking completes, gently fold ingredients to distribute sauce evenly, allowing each potato and beef bite to absorb maximum flavor complexity.
  7. Elevate presentation by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the dish, creating vibrant color contrast and adding bright herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while temperature and texture remain optimal.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by searing beef before slow cooking, creating a rich caramelized exterior that locks in delicious juices and depth of taste.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting smoked paprika and black pepper, allowing flexibility for mild or spicy preference without compromising recipe integrity.
  • Maximize tenderness by choosing well-marbled beef cuts like chuck roast or sirloin tip, which break down beautifully during slow cooking process.
  • Prevent potato mushiness by cutting them uniformly and placing them directly on bottom of slow cooker, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 68 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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