A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender beef bites and perfectly cooked potatoes, infused with a rich garlic butter sauce. This slow cooker recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying, home-cooked experience every time.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
- While this step is optional, searing the beef adds a depth of flavor and a beautiful caramelized crust that elevates the entire dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef bites in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, until browned on all sides. This should take about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- This is where the magic happens! The garlic butter sauce is the heart and soul of this dish, infusing every bite with incredible flavor.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Layering the ingredients ensures that everything cooks evenly and that the potatoes absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Place the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. This acts as a bed for the beef and prevents it from sticking.
- Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce over the potatoes, making sure they are nicely coated.
- Add the seared beef bites on top of the potatoes.
- Drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the beef.
- Pour the beef broth over everything. This provides the necessary moisture for slow cooking and adds another layer of flavor.
Step 4: Cook
- Now comes the easy part – letting the slow cooker do its thing!
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- The beef should be incredibly tender and easily pull apart with a fork, and the potatoes should be cooked through and soft.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- A simple garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
- Stir gently to coat the potatoes and beef in the luscious sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Comfort Food: This recipe is the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking. Simply prep the ingredients, load them into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter, aromatic herbs, and smoky paprika creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Tender and Juicy Beef: Slow cooking transforms inexpensive cuts of beef into incredibly tender and juicy bites that practically melt in your mouth.
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Main Course: This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own as a satisfying main course.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad or a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Over Rice or Noodles: Serve the beef bites and potatoes over a bed of fluffy rice or egg noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- With Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the remaining sauce in the slow cooker.
Tips:
- Don’t Skip the Sear (If Possible): While optional, searing the beef adds a significant depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it.
- Adjust the Garlic: If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount to 2-3 cloves.
- Thicken the Sauce (If Desired): If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan after cooking. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the sauce and simmer over medium heat until thickened.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, green beans, mushrooms, or onions. Add them along with the potatoes.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality beef and fresh herbs will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of the dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving):
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 35-45g
- Sodium: 500-700mg (depending on salt added)
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes, bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a truly comforting and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Absolutely! While chuck roast or stew meat is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and ability to become tender, you can also use sirloin tip roast or even brisket. Keep in mind that leaner cuts might require a shorter cooking time to avoid drying out.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Sear the beef using the sauté function. Then, add the potatoes, garlic butter sauce, and beef broth. Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release of 10 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q4: What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
A: If your sauce is too thin after cooking, you have a couple of options. The easiest is to create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water) and whisk it into the sauce in the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high. Alternatively, you can transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat, whisking in the cornstarch slurry, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to serve this dish fresh, you can certainly prep the ingredients ahead of time. You can cut the beef, chop the vegetables, and mix the garlic butter sauce a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will significantly reduce your prep time on the day you plan to cook the dish.
