If youโre craving a meal thatโs hands-off but still bursting with flavor, youโre going to love this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe. Itโs one of those cozy recipes where juicy, tender beef mingles with buttery, garlicky potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection without a ton of fuss. Trust me, once you try it, youโll want to make it again and again for those easy weeknight dinners or to impress guests without standing over the stove.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooking: Just set it and forget it for 6 hours, giving you more time to relax or prep other things.
- Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: The butter and garlic combination seeps into both beef and potatoes for a mouthwatering taste.
- Perfectly Tender Meat and Potatoes: Slow cooking makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth, while the potatoes absorb incredible flavor.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish every time โ itโs comfort food at its best.
Ingredients Youโll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe plays a critical role in building layers of flavor and texture. When I shop for these, I always pick baby Yukon gold potatoes because they hold their shape beautifully and have a buttery texture that complements the beef perfectly.
- Beef Stew Meat: Choose well-marbled pieces for juicier, more tender bites after slow cooking.
- Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: These small potatoes cook evenly and soak up the garlic butter sauce wonderfully.
- Onion Powder: Adds mellow onion flavor without the fuss of fresh onions.
- Garlic Powder: A concentrated garlic punch that mixes well with fresh garlic.
- Seasoned Salt: A convenient seasoning that combines salt with herbs and spices for extra depth.
- Fresh Garlic: Chopped garlic gives bursts of fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Butter: Using real butter pads helps distribute richness evenly during cooking.
Variations
I love customizing this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe depending on whatโs in season or what my family is craving. Itโs surprisingly flexible, so donโt hesitate to make the dish your own!
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Sometimes I toss in green beans or baby carrots about an hour before the cooking ends to add color and extra nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, sprinkling in some smoked paprika or red pepper flakes before cooking adds a smoky, spicy dimension.
- Herb Swap: Fresh rosemary or thyme pairs beautifully; just throw it on top with the butter pads for an herby lift.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use unsalted butter and low-sodium seasonings, and adjust salt to taste after cooking.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients
This stepโs all about layering for flavor โ I like to place the beef stew meat on one half of the crockpot and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other. This separation helps the potatoes cook evenly without getting mushy while ensuring the beef gets that perfect tender finish. Once everything is in, sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both sections, then gently toss the beef to coat โ no need to mix potatoes here, they do better staying separate.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Butter Pads
Next, scatter chopped fresh garlic over both the beef and potatoes. I always find fresh garlic makes such a differenceโit really wakes up the dish. Then, place your butter, cut into small pads or chunks, evenly across everything in the crockpot. The butter slowly melts, bathing all the ingredients in rich, savory goodness โ itโs the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth experience I absolutely adore.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6 hours. This slow cooking time is key โ it breaks down the beefโs connective tissue just enough so each bite becomes tender without drying out, and the potatoes soak up all those delicious flavors without falling apart. Patience here really pays off!
Step 4: Finish and Serve
When your timer goes off, give the dish a gentle stir to mix the garlic butter sauce coating the beef and potatoes. I like to spoon some of the sauce from the bottom over the top before serving because thatโs where the richest flavor settles. Serve it hot, pair it with a fresh salad or your favorite simple side, and watch everyone dig in happily.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
- Choose Uniform Potato Sizes: Using baby Yukon gold potatoes of similar sizes ensures even cooking so none are too mushy or underdone.
- Butter Placement Matters: Spreading the butter pads across the top helps distribute flavor evenly as it melts slowly during cooking.
- Donโt Skip Fresh Garlic: The fresh chopped garlic added before cooking delivers those aromatic bursts you wonโt get from powder alone.
- Avoid Overcrowding Your Crockpot: Crowding can cause uneven cooking; if you have a smaller crockpot, halve the recipe instead of packing it full.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving โ it adds a bright, fresh note and a pop of color that makes the dish look even more inviting. A little cracked black pepper freshly ground over the top doesnโt hurt either if you like a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, I usually serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. For something a bit cozier, creamy mashed cauliflower or roasted Brussels sprouts are great vegetable companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or when I want to impress, I plate individual servings on a bed of baby spinach or arugula, topped with a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce from the crockpot. It elevates the dish visually and adds an extra layer of flavor and texture your guests will notice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the beef and potatoes soak up so much butter and seasoning, the flavors stay fantastic, and reheating is super easy.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well! When I make extras, I portion the beef and potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers. Just be sure to cool everything completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor. Itโll keep for about 2-3 months.
Reheating
I recommend reheating in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or gently warming in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. The key is to warm it slowly to keep the beef tender and juicy, and the potatoes soft without being mushy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal because it becomes tender during slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks or other slow-cook-friendly cuts. Avoid lean cuts that dry out easily.
-
Can I cook this recipe on high in the crockpot?
Itโs best to cook low and slow for 6 hours to get that tender, flavorful result. Cooking on high for a shorter time may not yield the same tenderness, and potatoes risk becoming mushy.
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Can I add other vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes! Green beans, carrots, or even mushrooms work well. Add them during the last hour of cooking to keep them from overcooking and losing texture.
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Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use seasoned salt and spices without additives containing gluten. Always check labels to be sure.
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How can I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?
Use baby Yukon gold potatoes of similar sizes and keep them separated from the beef to avoid extra moisture. Adding them to one side of the crockpot helps as well.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe brings comfort and ease to dinner time. Itโs one of those recipes where the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with tender bites of beef and flavorful potatoes that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making this as much as my family and I do โ itโs a winner every time!
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and flavorful crockpot recipe features tender garlic butter beef bites paired with baby Yukon gold potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection. Seasoned with a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt, and enriched with fresh chopped garlic and butter, this comforting meal is easy to prepare and ideal for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Seasonings and Butter
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Begin by placing the beef stew meat on one half of the crockpot insert and arranging the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other half to keep them separate during cooking.
- Season the Ingredients: Evenly sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both the beef and potatoes to ensure balanced flavor throughout the dish.
- Toss the Beef: Gently toss the beef pieces to coat them thoroughly with the seasonings without mixing with the potatoes, maintaining separation for even cooking.
- Add Fresh Garlic: Sprinkle the chopped fresh garlic evenly on top of both the beef and potatoes to enhance the dish with aromatic garlic flavor.
- Add Butter Pads: Distribute the five tablespoons of butter, cut into small pads, evenly over the meat and potatoes to melt during slow cooking, creating a rich garlic butter sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6 hours to allow the beef to become tender and the potatoes to cook through gently.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, spoon the flavorful garlic butter sauce that collects at the bottom over the beef and potatoes. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, melt-in-your-mouth crockpot meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the beef before cooking to give a smoky depth to the dish.
- You can add green beans or carrots during the last hour of cooking to incorporate some veggies and additional texture.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep as it keeps well and can be reheated easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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