If you’re looking for a cozy, mouthwatering dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then these Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are just what you need. This recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish always brings everyone together around the table.

The combination of tender beef and hearty baby potatoes bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, the slow cooker takes care of most of the work, allowing you to spend more time relaxing and less time fretting over dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up this dish without any fuss.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavors and tender bites.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in the morning, and come home to a delicious meal waiting for you.
Comfort Food at Its Best: The rich garlic butter sauce makes every bite comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this delightful meal.

1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)
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.)
0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the protein: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add veggies: Toss in carrots or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
Switch up the herbs: Try using fresh herbs like parsley or chives instead of dried ones for a fresher flavor.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes. This step ensures everything cooks evenly and makes serving much easier later on.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides. This step is important because browning adds depth of flavor through caramelization, making your dish even more delicious.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients creates a flavorful garlic butter sauce that will infuse your beef and potatoes with amazing taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes followed by the seared beef. Pour that wonderful garlic butter sauce over everything and add beef broth for moisture. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor as everything cooks together.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender. Allowing it to cook slowly melds all those flavors beautifully while keeping everything moist.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Let your dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving so that it sets nicely. Then scoop out generous portions to share with loved ones! You’ve created something truly special that everyone will enjoy together at the table.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Cooking is all about finding little ways to make your dishes shine, and I’m here to help you do just that!

Sear the beef properly: Taking the time to sear the beef bites makes a big difference in flavor; it creates a delicious crust that enhances the overall taste of your dish.
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. It brings out that rich garlic essence that’s essential for this recipe.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference. A little extra seasoning can personalize this dish just for you!
Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together and improves the texture of the beef.
Experiment with herbs: While this recipe uses thyme and rosemary, feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley. They can add unique twists and enhance the aroma of your dish.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

This dish is not only delightful in flavor but also visually appealing. Here are some fun ideas on how to present and serve it!

Garnishes

Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side can allow guests to add a touch of acidity, brightening up the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Steamed green beans: Bright green beans provide a nice crunch and a splash of color on your plate, complementing the rich beef perfectly.
Garlic bread: A slice of warm garlic bread serves as an excellent vessel for scooping up any leftover sauce. Plus, who doesn’t love garlic bread?
Creamy mashed potatoes: For those who want an extra dose of comfort, creamy mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with these beef bites, soaking up all that garlicky goodness.
Mixed green salad: A light mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty beef bites, making for a well-rounded meal.

There you have it! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create an unforgettable dining experience featuring Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy hearty comfort food throughout the week. With a little planning, you can easily make this dish in advance and store it for later.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Cool the dish completely before freezing.
Portion the beef bites and potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a microwave-safe dish until heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Add a splash of beef broth if necessary to keep it moist during reheating.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries about Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.

Can I use different cuts of beef for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?

Yes! While beef stew meat is ideal for tenderness, you can substitute other cuts like chuck roast or brisket. Just be mindful of cooking times as these cuts may require slightly longer to become tender.

How do I ensure my Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes turn out tender?

The key is low and slow cooking. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring that your beef bites become fork-tender. Be patient, and don’t rush the cooking process!

Can I add vegetables to my Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to include carrots, peas, or even green beans for added nutrition and flavor. Just remember that different vegetables may require adjustments in cooking time.

What can I serve alongside Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes! This recipe brings comfort and warmth to any dining table, making it special for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations you try. Happy cooking!

Dinner