If you are craving a meal that combines rich, buttery flavors with hearty, tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes, then you have to try this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, where every bite melts in your mouth, thanks to the slow-cooked garlic butter infusion and the aromatic herbs that make it truly special. Whether you are looking for a comforting dinner after a busy day or planning a meal that impresses with minimal effort, this recipe is your trusty go-to. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence, bringing together wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously in your crockpot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are simple but incredibly essential. Each component adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that transforms this dish from ordinary to unforgettable. From the tender beef bites to the golden baby potatoes and the fragrant herbs, everything plays its part beautifully.
- Beef stew meat, 2 lbs: Cut into 1-inch cubes for perfect tenderness after slow cooking.
- Baby potatoes, 1.5 lbs: Halved to cook evenly and soak up all the butter and seasoning.
- Butter, 4 tablespoons: Sliced to melt gradually and infuse the dish with rich garlic butter flavor.
- Garlic, 5 cloves minced: Adds that irresistible, aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Used to sear the beef for that beautiful golden crust.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Balances and enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- Dried thyme, 1 teaspoon: Brings a subtle earthy freshness.
- Dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon: Complements the beef with its piney aroma.
- Smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon: Provides a slightly smoky warmth for added complexity.
- Beef broth, ¼ cup: Keeps everything moist and deeply savory during cooking.
- Fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped: For a bright, colorful garnish that wakes up the palate.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef
The first step is crucial for developing flavor. Pat your beef stew meat dry with paper towels; this ensures the beef sears perfectly without steaming. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef cubes in batches over medium-high heat. This creates a delicious crust that locks in juices and builds depth right from the start. Once seared, transfer the beef into your crockpot.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Using the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen, but be careful not to burn the garlic. This step infuses the butter with a rich, garlicky essence that’s going to soak into every bite.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Pour the garlic butter over the beef in the crockpot. Then sprinkle on salt, black pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Toss everything gently to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the fragrant seasonings.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the halved baby potatoes on top of the beef, then pour in the beef broth. This liquid will keep the beef and potatoes moist and tender as they slow cook together, soaking in all those wonderful flavors.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow, patient cooking process is where the magic truly happens—the beef becomes tender, the potatoes soft yet firm, and the flavors meld into a savory harmony.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
When cooking is complete, gently stir the contents to mix all those delicious juices and flavors. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the perfect final flourish, lending a vibrant green color and light herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich garlic butter sauce. For an extra indulgent touch, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few red chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh green vegetables such as steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette is also a great way to balance the richness of the beef and potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the beef bites and potatoes on a rustic wooden platter alongside crusty bread to soak up the buttery juices. Alternatively, plate it in individual bowls for a cozy, comforting family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this delicious Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe, store any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef and potatoes in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing, and leave some headspace to allow for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps revive the tender texture and maintain the rich garlic butter sauce’s moisture.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just ensure the pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven by cooking it covered at a low temperature (around 300°F) for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender. However, the crockpot truly allows for that hands-off, slow-cooked flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions would be fantastic additions, giving more texture and color. Just add them with the potatoes at the start of the cooking time.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
Simply increase the smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the beef. Fresh chili peppers can also be added when sautéing the garlic butter.
What bread pairs well with this dish?
A crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the buttery sauce that accompanies this hearty beef and potato dish.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those heartwarming dishes that brings comfort and joy with every mouthful. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to meals for sure. So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor something unforgettable!
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Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 8h 0m
- Total Time: 8h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe features tender, savory beef stew meat slow-cooked to perfection with baby potatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich butter. Infused with fragrant herbs and spices, it’s an easy, hearty meal that delivers deep flavors with minimal prep and all the comfort of a home-cooked dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 4 tablespoons butter, sliced into pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef stew meat cubes dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely when seared.
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Transfer seared beef to the crockpot.
- Sauté garlic in butter: In the same skillet, add sliced butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add garlic butter to crockpot: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef cubes in the crockpot.
- Season the beef: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika over the beef. Toss gently to evenly coat the meat with spices.
- Add potatoes and broth: Place the halved baby potatoes in the crockpot with the beef. Pour in the beef broth and stir lightly to distribute flavors.
- Slow cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Stir the cooked beef and potatoes gently, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For best results, sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
- If you prefer, you can substitute baby potatoes with diced regular potatoes.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried thyme and rosemary for a brighter flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving if desired.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
