Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a simple, comforting dish packed with tender beef chunks, buttery potatoes, and loads of garlic flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a rich and hearty meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy day.
I love how easy this dish is to prepare—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer until the beef is perfectly tender and the potatoes soak up that buttery garlic goodness. I usually double the garlic because, honestly, you can never have too much. It’s one of those meals that always gets me excited to come home and eat.
My favorite way to serve this is straight out of the slow cooker, maybe with a little sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. It’s great for weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, leftovers taste just as good the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This cut is perfect because it becomes tender in the slow cooker. If you want leaner meat, try sirloin tips. For a budget-friendly option, chuck roast cut into cubes works great.
Baby Yellow Potatoes: I love these because they hold their shape and absorb flavor well. You can swap with red potatoes or fingerlings, but avoid starchy potatoes like russets, as they may fall apart during slow cooking.
Butter & Garlic: Butter adds richness and garlic brings bold flavor. If dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. For garlic, fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Herbs (Thyme & Rosemary): These herbs add an earthy note. If you don’t have them, try oregano or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs can be used too, just add a bit less if fresh herbs are stronger.
How Do I Get Tender Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker?
Tender beef is key to this dish and the slow cooker is perfect for it. Here’s how to get beautiful tender bites:
- Sear the beef first. This step locks in juices and adds flavor through browning.
- Use low and slow heat. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours breaks down connective tissue, making beef tender.
- Don’t skip the liquid. The beef broth and Worcestershire sauce provide moisture and flavor to keep the beef from drying out.
- Cut meat into even pieces. So everything cooks evenly and finishes at the same time.
Following these tips will give you soft, flavorful beef bites that melt in your mouth every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – it’s perfect for cooking the beef and potatoes low and slow without needing much attention.
- Large skillet – use it to sear the beef and sauté onions and garlic for extra flavor before slow cooking.
- Sharp knife – for cutting the beef and potatoes into even pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface to safely chop your ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir and scrape the skillet without scratching.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for boneless chicken thighs for a faster cook time and tender meat with similar richness.
- Add sliced carrots or parsnips with the potatoes for extra sweetness and texture.
- Stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine before cooking to deepen the flavor.
- Top with shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese just before serving for a cheesy twist.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1.5 lbs baby yellow potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This slow cooker recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and brown the ingredients, then 6 to 7 hours of cooking on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high. It’s perfect to set in the morning and come back to a warm, delicious meal later in the day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and sear them until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. This step adds great flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell the lovely garlic aroma.
3. Make the Sauce:
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. This sauce will soak into the beef and potatoes for extra flavor.
4. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
Pour the onion and garlic mixture along with the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the baby potatoes, spreading them evenly around and on top of the beef. Dot the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over the potatoes and beef for that rich buttery touch.
5. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft and flavorful.
6. Final Touch and Serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy tender, buttery beef bites with delicious potatoes!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh beef stew meat. If using frozen, make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking, so it cooks evenly and safely in the slow cooker.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, parsnips, or green beans make great additions. Add firm vegetables like carrots at the start of cooking, but softer veggies like green beans are best added in the last hour to avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef and cook the onions and garlic, then pressure cook on high for about 35-40 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for best results.
