Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
This comforting slow cooker dish combines tender beef bites with buttery, garlicky potatoes for a hearty, flavorful meal. Perfect for those busy days, it fills your kitchen with delicious aromas while the slow cooker does all the work. Enjoy this easy one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table!
2 lbs beef stew meat
5 tbsp butter, sliced
1 lb baby yellow potatoes
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp chopped garlic
2 tsp seasoned salt
Directions:
1. Place beef stew meat at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt.
2. Add baby potatoes on one side of the slow cooker, opposite the beef.
3. Scatter sliced butter and chopped garlic over the meat and potatoes.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender and potatoes are cooked.
5. Stir gently before serving. Pair with a fresh salad or dinner rolls.
Prep Time: 8 hours
Kcal: 450 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut 2 lbs of beef stew meat into uniform, bite-sized pieces if not already pre-cut. Rinse 1 lb of baby yellow potatoes and pat them dry. Slice 5 tbsp of cold butter into thin pats. Mince fresh garlic to get 1 tbsp, or use pre-chopped.
2. Season the Beef: Place the beef bites in a bowl. Evenly sprinkle with 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tsp seasoned salt. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece.
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seasoned beef to the bottom of the slow cooker insert, spreading it into a single layer. Place the baby potatoes on one side of the cooker, keeping them separate from the beef initially to prevent the potatoes from becoming too greasy.
4. Add Butter and Garlic: Distribute the slices of butter evenly over both the beef and potatoes. Then, sprinkle the 1 tbsp of chopped garlic across the top.
5. Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking. The dish is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
6. Serve: Gently stir the contents to combine the flavorful garlic butter sauce that has formed at the bottom with the beef and potatoes. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or egg noodles to soak up the rich sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans like haricot verts provide a fresh contrast. For a comforting touch, offer warm, crusty bread or flaky dinner rolls on the side.
How-to Summary
Season beef bites with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Layer beef and potatoes in a slow cooker. Top with sliced butter and chopped garlic. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir gently and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast cut into cubes is perfect. Avoid very lean cuts like sirloin, as they can become dry with long cooking.
Can I cook this on high to save time?
You can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but the low-and-slow method yields more tender, fall-apart beef.
Do I need to brown the beef first?
It’s not required, but browning the beef in a skillet first adds a deeper flavor and improves texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Add thick-cut carrots or mushrooms with the potatoes. For softer veggies like bell peppers, add them in the last hour of cooking.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered saucepan on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pot: Cutting beef too small or overfilling the cooker can lead to steaming rather than proper braising.
- Lifting the Lid: Peeking releases heat and steam, significantly increasing cooking time.
- Underseasoning: Beef and potatoes need ample seasoning. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with salt if needed.
- Using Old Potatoes: Old, sprouting potatoes can have a bitter taste and unpleasant texture. Use fresh, firm baby potatoes.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the ultimate set-and-forget comfort meal. With minimal prep yielding maximum flavor, it delivers tender beef and buttery potatoes in a rich, garlicky sauce. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure a perfect result every time. It’s a dependable, crowd-pleasing dish that makes busy weeknights effortless and satisfying.