Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

A Short Story About the Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. It was one of those weeks where everything felt a little too fast-paced. Appointments, errands, a half-finished birthday cake for a friend – and then I realized I had forgotten to plan dinner. I stared at the fridge, saw a tray of beef cubes and a bag of baby potatoes, and something clicked. The slow cooker. Garlic. Butter. A dash of herbs.

By the time the kids were back from school, the whole house smelled like a countryside kitchen. Warm, buttery, and just a bit garlicky. My partner, who is usually indifferent to anything that doesn’t involve dessert, asked for seconds. That was the moment I knew this dish would make its way into my regular rotation – not just for how easy it is, but for the way it brings the family together at the table.

These beef bites are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. The potatoes soak up the butter and garlic, turning them into flavor-packed bites of comfort. And the best part? It cooks low and slow while I go on with my day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile

This recipe fits right into any weeknight meal plan but can easily be dressed up for a casual dinner with friends. Serve it with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. You can even swap the beef for chicken if that’s what you have on hand.

Budget-Friendly

Beef chuck roast or stew meat is often one of the more affordable cuts, and potatoes are a pantry staple in my kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a full meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t hurt your wallet.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat or beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes, halved

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

• ½ cup low-sodium beef broth (or water with a beef bouillon cube)

How to Make This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is all about low effort and high reward. It’s as simple as prepping your ingredients, setting your slow cooker, and letting the magic happen. Here’s exactly how I make it:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by patting the beef cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown a little better later on and keeps them from getting soggy. If your beef came in large chunks, cut them into bite-sized pieces for more even cooking.

Season the beef generously with salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and half of the dried thyme and rosemary. Toss to coat every piece well.

Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended)

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add one tablespoon of the melted butter. Once hot, add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until browned. This step adds depth to the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.

Transfer the seared beef into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and dry the baby potatoes thoroughly. Slice them in half so they cook evenly and absorb more flavor. If you’re using larger potatoes, cut them into quarters or similar bite-sized chunks.

Add the potatoes on top of the beef in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the remaining melted butter with the minced garlic, the rest of the dried herbs, and the crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour this buttery mixture over the beef and potatoes.

Then pour in the beef broth. It helps the beef stay juicy and adds moisture to create a buttery, savory base.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Resist the urge to lift the lid often—it slows down the cooking time.

About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, gently stir everything together so the flavors combine well. This helps coat every bite in garlic butter goodness.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once the cooking time is up, check the tenderness of the beef and potatoes. If they’re perfect, you’re ready to go. Use a slotted spoon to plate the beef and potatoes. Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the cooker over the top.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. It adds color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the butter.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is ideal for days when I know I’ll be busy. The actual prep time takes only about 15 minutes. After that, the slow cooker takes over, giving me time to focus on baking or relaxing. There’s no babysitting required, and clean-up is minimal.

Customizable

You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences. Don’t like rosemary? Use oregano instead. Want it creamier? Stir in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving. If you need it dairy-free, swap the butter for plant-based alternatives.

You can also add other vegetables like carrots or green beans. Just chop them into similar sizes as the potatoes so everything cooks evenly. Sometimes, I add frozen peas in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.

Perfect for Guests

This is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes when I’m hosting a casual dinner. It’s comforting, smells amazing, and serves beautifully with minimal effort. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad, and you’ve got a full meal that feels special without being stressful.

Guests always ask for the recipe, especially when they find out how little work is involved. It’s hearty enough to serve during colder months but simple enough to enjoy year-round.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook through at the same time as the beef.

Is searing the beef necessary?
Searing is optional but recommended. It adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the beef. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, and the recipe will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can use water with a beef bouillon cube or a low-sodium vegetable broth. Both options work well without affecting the flavor too much.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Simply use a plant-based butter alternative. Make sure to pick one with a mild flavor to let the garlic and herbs shine through.

How should I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
You can use chicken ham or boneless chicken thighs for a variation. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check for doneness after about 5 hours on low or 2.5 hours on high.