Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Featuring succulent beef bites paired with tender baby potatoes, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even special occasions. The combination of flavors makes it a standout choice that is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set this delicious meal in motion.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day, resulting in tender beef without much effort.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The garlic butter sauce infuses the dish with incredible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving guests at special occasions; it fits any setting.
- Comfort Food Delight: This recipe embodies the essence of comfort food, making it an instant favorite.

Tools and Preparation
To prepare Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, having the right tools on hand is essential for a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender meat and flavorful potatoes.
- Skillet: Ideal for searing beef bites to lock in juices and enhance flavor before slow cooking.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the beef and halving the potatoes quick and easy.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients for the garlic butter sauce efficiently.
Ingredients
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef bites and flavorful baby potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce.
For the Beef Bites
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
For the Potatoes
- 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted for the garlic butter sauce.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning.)
For Moisture
- 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
For Searing
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all ingredients needed for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
Step 2: Optional Parboil Potatoes
You may choose to parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Sear the Beef Bites
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides; this adds flavor and texture.
Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create your rich garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, place halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour garlic butter sauce over these ingredients and add beef broth.
Step 6: Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let your Garlic Butter Beef Bites rest for about 10 minutes before serving so flavors can meld beautifully. Enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Serving Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes can elevate your meal experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs – Add whole thyme sprigs as a garnish for an aromatic touch.
Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes
- Fluffy Rice – Serve the beef bites over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Pair with mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
Accompanied by Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli – A side of steamed broccoli adds nutrients and a pop of green to your plate.
- Roasted Carrots – Roasted carrots bring sweetness and complement the savory flavors of the beef.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread – Serve with garlic bread to enjoy every bit of the delicious sauce.
- Crusty Baguette – A slice of crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich garlic butter sauce.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Perfecting your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes involves paying attention to details. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Use Quality Meat – Choose high-quality beef stew meat for tenderness and better flavor.
- Sear Properly – Ensure you sear the beef bites until browned; this adds depth to the overall taste.
- Adjust Broth Quantity – Use enough beef broth to keep the dish moist but not too much that it dilutes flavor.
- Let it Rest – Allowing the dish to rest before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust spices or add new ones, like cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
To create a balanced meal around your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, consider these delicious side dishes that complement the rich flavors perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, creamy cauliflower pairs well with beef bites.
- Green Salad – A fresh green salad provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the main dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add texture and a slight bitterness that contrasts nicely.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob brings a delightful sweetness that’s perfect alongside savory beef bites.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes enhances the garlic butter flavors in this dish.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch, making it an ideal side for this hearty meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to sear the beef can lead to less flavor. Always brown the beef bites in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker for a richer taste.
- Using Cold Ingredients: If your ingredients are cold, they won’t cook evenly. Let your beef and potatoes sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Overcooking or undercooking your dish can ruin it. Stick to the recommended cooking times of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoning is a common mistake. Taste and adjust the garlic butter sauce before pouring it over the beef and potatoes.
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Too many ingredients can prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s enough space in the slow cooker for heat circulation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
Freezing Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring all air is removed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.
Can I use other cuts of beef for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
You can substitute with other tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak, but stew meat works best due to its flavor when slow-cooked.
How can I customize my Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor!
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that brings joy to your table!
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a comforting dish that perfectly combines tender beef chunks with flavorful baby potatoes, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. This delicious recipe is designed for easy preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can savor an incredible meal without the hassle. The infusion of garlic and herbs creates an aromatic experience that will impress your family and guests alike. Enjoy this hearty dish alongside your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 pound baby potatoes (halved)
- 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
Instructions
- Gather and prepare all ingredients.
- Optionally, parboil the halved potatoes for a few minutes until slightly softened.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef bites in olive oil until browned on all sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
- In a slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef bites, then pour the garlic butter sauce over them along with the beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg