Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a simple and delicious meal where tender beef bites and soft potatoes soak up all the buttery, garlicky goodness. This dish fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma while everything cooks low and slow, making the beef super juicy and the potatoes perfectly tender.
I love how easy it is to toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come back to a complete meal after a busy day. The garlic butter sauce ties it all together, and I usually sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t require much effort but feels like you spent hours on it.
My favorite way to serve this is right from the slow cooker to the table, maybe with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. It’s one of those meals that everyone at the table loves because it’s comforting and satisfying without being complicated. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you can’t find stew meat, chuck roast cut into cubes works just as well.
Baby Potatoes: Their small size means they cook evenly with the beef. Yukon gold or red potatoes are good substitutes. Just make sure to use potatoes that hold shape well.
Butter & Garlic: Butter adds richness, and fresh garlic gives a strong, delicious flavor. If you want a lighter version, swap butter for olive oil, but butter gives the best taste here.
Seasonings: Thyme and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. If you don’t have thyme, Italian seasoning or rosemary works nicely. Adjust salt to your taste, especially if using broth with salt.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and flavor during slow cooking. Water can be used if you don’t have broth, but the broth boosts the taste significantly.
How Do I Get Tender, Flavorful Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker?
Tender beef is the highlight here, and slow cooking is perfect for that. Here’s what I do:
- If you have time, sear the beef cubes first. Browning adds flavor through the Maillard reaction and helps lock juices inside.
- Add garlic butter sauce and broth to keep the beef moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours—avoid opening the lid too often, as heat escapes and lengthens cooking time.
- Gently mix at the end so the sauce coats the beef and potatoes without breaking them up.
Following these tips delivers beef that’s juicy and melts in your mouth every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – this is essential for cooking beef and potatoes low and slow to get tender and flavorful.
- Large skillet (optional) – great for searing beef before slow cooking to add extra flavor and color.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the garlic butter sauce ingredients easily and evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – useful for stirring the sauce and mixing the beef and potatoes gently after cooking.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to measure your seasonings and liquids accurately for the best taste.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for chicken thighs for a lighter but still juicy meal; just reduce cooking time slightly.
- Add sliced mushrooms before slow cooking for an earthy flavor that pairs well with garlic butter.
- Include chopped carrots or green beans for extra veggies and color; add them at the start with potatoes.
- Mix in a bit of fresh rosemary or sage along with thyme for a different herb flavor that works great with beef.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, whole (washed and dried)
For The Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing beef)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of active prep time, including searing the beef (optional) and mixing the sauce. Cooking time is 7-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. This hands-off cooking method lets you get other things done while the slow cooker works its magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). This adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
2. Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Layering Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Place the baby potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared (or raw) beef cubes on top of the potatoes.
4. Adding Sauce and Broth:
Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the beef and potatoes. Then, pour the beef broth or water around the edges to add moisture, being careful not to wash the sauce off the meat and potatoes.
5. Slow Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Finishing Touches:
Gently stir everything to coat the beef and potatoes with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright and fresh touch.
7. Serving:
Serve warm straight from the slow cooker. This dish goes wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up any extra garlic butter sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed beef stew meat for even cooking. If using frozen beef, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I Skip Searing the Beef?
Yes! Searing adds extra flavor and color but isn’t required. If you’re short on time, just add the beef directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients and still get great results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, mushrooms, or green beans are great additions. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the potatoes at the start to cook through evenly.