If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve got to try this Irresistibly Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe. It brings together succulent, melt-in-your-mouth beef with creamy baby Yukon Gold potatoes, all infused with rich garlic butter flavors that slowly build throughout hours of gentle cooking. This recipe is the kind of comfort food that turns any ordinary day into something special, making your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender beef chunks to the golden potatoes and the luscious garlic butter that ties everything together beautifully.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round recommended): These cuts are perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and flavorful over time.
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (or regular salt): Adds a depth of savory seasoning that enhances every bite.
- 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes (no need to peel): Their creamy texture and thin skins are ideal for this dish, offering comfort in every forkful.
- 1/2 cup butter (cut into pads): This is where the magic happens—melting slowly to create a rich garlic butter sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional): A subtle sweet onion flavor that lifts the dish without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh garlic): The heart of the recipe, infusing everything with irresistible garlic goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste): Adds just the right touch of warmth and complexity.
How to Make Irresistibly Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Seasonings
Start by patting your beef stew meat dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures you get a good sear if you choose to brown the meat beforehand, and it helps the seasoning cling better. Toss the beef pieces with seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Beef in the Slow Cooker
Place the baby Yukon Gold potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Their thin skins mean no peeling necessary, saving you prep time while adding creamy texture. Then, layer the seasoned beef bites right on top—this allows the flavors to drip and mingle over the potatoes as they cook.
Step 3: Add the Butter Pads
Scatter the half-cup of butter pads evenly over the beef and potatoes. As the slow cooker works its magic, the butter will melt slowly, turning into a luscious garlic butter sauce that coats the meat and potatoes, making each mouthful as tender and flavorful as possible.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and let everything simmer gently for about 6 hours. This long, slow cook time is the secret to achieving that irresistibly tender texture and deep, rich flavor that makes the Irresistibly Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe so special. Patience here is truly rewarded.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
After cooking, give everything a gentle stir to mix the melted butter and seasonings evenly. If the sauce looks a little thin, you can remove the lid and let the slow cooker run on high for an extra 15-30 minutes to thicken up the juices. Then, get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Irresistibly Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a burst of vibrant green color and freshness, perfectly cutting through the richness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving can elevate the flavors even more, creating small bursts of salty goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for some extra crunch and color. A crusty slice of rustic bread is perfect too, to mop up that decadent garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic charm, serve straight out of the slow cooker in a warm, deep dish. Or, if you’re entertaining, plate the beef bites and potatoes neatly with a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce on top and a sprig of fresh thyme for a restaurant-style finish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The rich flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful, if not better. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
For longer storage, this recipe freezes beautifully. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, separating portions for easy thawing. Frozen beef bites and potatoes maintain their texture well, perfect for quick meals down the line.
Reheating
Reheat gently either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the beef. Adding a small splash of water or broth can help keep things juicy and delicious during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck or round are recommended for their tenderness after slow cooking, you can experiment with other stew cuts. Just be sure they are suitable for slow cooking to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Is it necessary to add butter? Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
The butter creates that classic garlic butter flavor and richness, but you can swap it for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil and add extra garlic for flavor to accommodate dietary preferences.
Can I add vegetables other than potatoes?
Yes! Carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions would be lovely additions. Just add them in at the beginning of cooking so they become tender alongside the beef and potatoes.
What if I forget to brown the beef before slow cooking?
No worries! Browning adds extra flavor but is not essential. Slow cooking will still give you tender beef and delicious results, so you’re in the clear.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin after cooking?
After the slow cooker cycle ends, remove the lid and set to high for 15-30 minutes to reduce the sauce. Alternatively, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water and cook until thickened.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough trying the Irresistibly Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe for your next cozy meal. It’s effortless to prepare but delivers such a comforting, hearty experience that everyone will ask for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this recipe feels like a delicious celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.
Print
Irresistibly Tender Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This slow cooker recipe features irresistibly tender garlic butter beef bites paired with baby Yukon Gold potatoes, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. The beef stew meat slowly cooks in a blend of seasoned salt, garlic, onion powder, and butter, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth bites accompanied by soft, buttery potatoes.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round recommended)
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (or regular salt)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh garlic)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Potatoes and Butter
- 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes (no need to peel)
- 1/2 cup butter (cut into pads)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Rinse the beef stew meat under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized pieces if not already cut. Season the beef evenly with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the baby Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly. There is no need to peel them, as their tender skins add delicious texture and nutrients.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned beef bites into the slow cooker first, spreading them out evenly. Add the baby potatoes on top of the beef in a single layer or slightly piled.
- Add Butter: Distribute the pads of butter evenly on top of the potatoes and beef. This will melt during cooking, infusing the dish with rich garlic butter flavor.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours (360 minutes) until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft. Avoid removing the lid during cooking to keep the heat consistent.
- Serve: Once cooked, gently stir the beef and potatoes to coat them in the melted garlic butter. Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh minced garlic for garlic powder if preferred; use about 2-3 cloves.
- For a lower fat option, reduce butter to 1/4 cup or use a butter substitute.
- If you don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes, baby red potatoes or fingerlings work well as substitutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; if using regular salt, start with a smaller amount and add more after cooking if needed.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate.
