Name: Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486890H10M4S
Total time: PT-486890H10M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

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Short description

Tender beef stew bites and halved baby potatoes are slow-cooked in a rich garlic-butter sauce infused with smoked paprika, herbs, and beef broth, resulting in a comforting, easy, one-pot meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: Let your slow cooker do the work — hands-off cooking with maximum flavor.
Rich, buttery garlic flavor: The garlic-butter sauce coats each bite, with savory depth from paprika and herbs.
Tender beef and creamy potatoes: Achieves melt-in-your-mouth meat and sinfully soft potatoes.
Customizable & crowd-pleasing: Easily adapt with extra veggies or swap beef cuts based on preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
Baby potatoes, halved
Unsalted butter, melted
Garlic cloves, minced
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary
Salt & black pepper
Beef broth
Olive oil

Directions

Prep ingredients – Trim and cube beef into bite-size pieces; halve baby potatoes.
Optional parboil – For softer potatoes, parboil for a few minutes; drain well.
Sear beef – Heat olive oil in skillet on medium‑high. Sear meat on all sides until browned; transfer to slow cooker.
Make garlic-butter sauce – In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Assemble – Place halved potatoes in slow cooker, add seared beef, pour garlic butter over top, and add beef broth.
Cook – Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until beef is fork-tender.
Rest & serve – Allow dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6 people
Prep time: ~15 minutes (incl. prepping beef and potatoes)
Cook time:
- Low setting: 6–8 hours
- High setting: 3–4 hours
Total time: ~6–8 hours on low (plus 10-minute rest)

Variations

Switch up cuts: Use chuck roast, short ribs, or even cubed steak—adjust cooking times if needed.
Add veggies: Stir in carrots, parsnips, or bell peppers at start for color and nutrition.
Make it cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Gruyère on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to the garlic-butter sauce.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently warm on stovetop or in microwave until heated through.
Freeze: Once cooled, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly on low heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cooking method?

Yes—this can be made in a Dutch oven: sear meat, combine all ingredients, and simmer covered at 300 °F (150 °C) for ~2 hours until tender.

2. Can I skip searing the beef?

You can, but searing adds color and flavor. If you skip it, cook on HIGH to ensure depth.

3. Should I peel the baby potatoes?

No need—baby potatoes keep their skins, making prep easier and boosting nutrients and flavor.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just ensure your slow cooker can accommodate the volume and extend cook time slightly if needed.

5. What substitute for beef broth?

Use chicken broth or even water + bouillon cube—flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

6. Can I add frozen vegetables?

Yes—add frozen peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra veggies.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from being greasy?

Resting allows excess fat to rise; simply spoon it off before serving if desired.

8. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes—use Sauté to sear, then pressure-cook on HIGH for 35–40 minutes with natural release.

9. How can I thicken the sauce?

Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) in the last 15 minutes on HIGH or after cooking.

10. What side dishes pair well?

Serve with crusty bread, steamed greens, or a crisp salad to balance richness.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a comforting, flavorful, and effortless dish that delivers tender meat, buttery garlic goodness, and hearty potatoes in every bite. Perfect for cozy nights or easy meal prep, it’s a slow-cooker favorite you’ll return to time and time again.

Ezabella