If you are craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dish that comes together effortlessly, then this Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. Combining tender beef stew meat with buttery garlic richness and perfectly cooked baby Yukon gold potatoes, this recipe is a delicious symphony of flavors that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. The slow cooker does all the hard work, resulting in beef bites so tender they almost fall apart, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything. It’s simple, satisfying, and purely delicious—what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a key role in creating that rich, cozy taste and satisfying texture in this slow cooker masterpiece. From the hearty beef to the creamy Yukon gold potatoes, every component builds upon the other to create a truly standout meal.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled meat for juicy, tender beef bites after slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a gentle onion flavor without the sharpness of fresh onions.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A quick punch of garlic seasoning to complement fresh garlic.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Enhances all the flavors with a balanced saltiness and a hint of herbs and spices.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic to infuse the dish with intense, aromatic richness.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads: Butter melts over the beef and potatoes, creating a silky sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These small potatoes hold their shape well and add a creamy texture.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Meat and Potatoes
Start by placing the beef stew meat on one half of your slow cooker and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other half. This separation prevents the potatoes from becoming overly soft while ensuring the beef has room to cook evenly. It’s a simple trick that keeps textures just right throughout the six-hour cooking process.
Step 2: Seasoning the Ingredients
Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt onto both the beef and potatoes. Then toss the beef stew meat gently to make sure every piece is coated with those savory flavors. This step is where the magic begins, as these spices work together to build a deep base of taste in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Adding Garlic and Butter
Next, scatter the chopped garlic evenly over the beef and potato mixture, making sure the fresh garlic is well distributed. Follow by placing those five pads of butter on top to slowly melt and mingle with the meat juices. This step is crucial for creating the irresistibly rich garlic butter sauce that defines this dish.
Step 4: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook everything on the low setting for about six hours. The slow, gentle heat tenderizes the beef until it is fall-apart soft and allows the potatoes to absorb all those delicious flavors. When the timer goes off, your entire kitchen will smell heavenly, and your garlic butter beef bites will be ready to serve.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of fresh color and a subtle brightness to the rich dish. If you love a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate those garlic butter flavors with a pleasant kick.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans cuts through the richness and adds some refreshing crunch. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the buttery sauce. For something heartier, serve alongside creamy mashed cauliflower or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef bites and potatoes over fluffy buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce. You can also turn this into a robust sandwich filling, piling the beef bites onto toasted rolls with some melted cheese and mustard for an unforgettable handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover garlic butter beef bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making for a convenient and delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
This slow cooker dish freezes beautifully. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to that silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef instead of stew meat?
Absolutely! While stew meat is great for slow cooking, you could swap in chuck roast or brisket cut into bite-sized pieces. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the tenderness of the cut you choose.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
For this Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe, browning the beef is optional. The slow cooker will tenderize the meat perfectly, but if you prefer deeper flavor and a more caramelized crust, you can quickly sear the beef pieces before adding them.
Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
It’s better to use thawed beef for even cooking. Using frozen meat may increase cooking times and affect texture, so plan to defrost your beef in the fridge before starting the recipe.
What if I don’t have baby Yukon gold potatoes?
You can substitute with other small, waxy potatoes like red potatoes or fingerlings. Avoid starchy potatoes like russets, as they will break down too much during slow cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used in this Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe is one of those comforting, no-fuss meals that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender beef, buttery garlic, and creamy potatoes is guaranteed to satisfy any craving and impress your dinner companions. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming a treasured favorite in your recipe collection!
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Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful Garlic Butter Beef Bites slow-cooked to perfection alongside buttery Yukon gold potatoes. This hearty, comforting dish brings together succulent beef stew meat seasoned with aromatic garlic and onion powders, melted butter, and savory seasoned salt for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat on one half of the slow cooker and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other half, keeping them separated for even cooking and seasoning.
- Season Beef and Potatoes: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both the beef and potatoes. Toss the beef gently to ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly while keeping it separate from the potatoes.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Sprinkle the chopped garlic over the beef and potatoes, then place the butter pads evenly on top of the mixture to add richness and flavor as it cooks.
- Cook Slow and Low: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6 hours until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the beef bites and potatoes hot, spooning some of the flavorful sauce from the slow cooker over the top for extra taste.
Notes
- For best results, use baby Yukon gold potatoes to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and reduce it over medium heat before serving.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a microwave or stovetop pan.
