Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, savory, and absolutely irresistible, this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe needs to be at the top of your dinner list. Imagine juicy, seared beef morsels and tender baby potatoes swaddled in a blanket of fragrant, garlicky butter—every bite bursts with comfort and flavor. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you want to impress company or just treat yourself to a plate of pure homemade comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet how every element adds depth, color, and unbeatable taste. Each component works together in harmony to create a meal that’s both easy to assemble and truly delicious.

• Beef stew meat (1.5 pounds): Choose well-marbled stew meat and cut it into bite-sized pieces for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Baby potatoes (1 pound): Halve these little gems so they soak up all the buttery sauce and cook evenly.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melted to form the heart and soul of that luscious garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic, mouthwatering goodness.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory backdrop that boosts the overall flavor without overpowering.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Delivers a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with beef.
• Dried thyme (0.5 teaspoon): Brings an earthy aroma and a delicate herby note to each forkful.
• Dried rosemary (0.5 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to add that signature fragrant lift.
• Salt (0.5 teaspoon, or to taste): Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
• Black pepper (0.25 teaspoon): For a gentle touch of heat and depth.
• Beef broth (0.25 cup): Keeps everything juicy and flavorful while it slow-cooks.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve a beautiful sear on the beef bites for extra flavor and color.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by rounding up all your ingredients and tools—a slow cooker, skillet, mixing bowl, and a trusty knife and cutting board. Chop the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes. This early prep ensures every piece cooks at the same pace and absorbs the flavors just right.

Step 2: Optional Potato Parboil

If you’re looking for ultra-creamy potatoes with that delicious melt-in-your-mouth quality, give your baby potatoes a quick parboil. Just a few minutes in boiling water will soften them and ensure they emerge perfectly tender after slow cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Beef Bites

Heat up olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding; you want each piece to develop that irresistible, caramelized crust. This step adds a deep, savory note that shines through the entire Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This golden, aromatic mixture is the key to building a rich, savory sauce that coats every morsel and potato.

Step 5: Layer & Combine in the Slow Cooker

Add the halved baby potatoes and browned beef bites to the slow cooker. Then, pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over the top and drizzle in the beef broth. Give everything a gentle toss or stir so every piece is coated in flavor.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours) until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are perfectly soft. When time is up, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld and the sauce thickens ever so slightly.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Garnishes

To make your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes pop with restaurant flair, fresh garnishes do wonders. Sprinkle over some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and brightness. For even more decadence, a light dusting of flaky sea salt or freshly grated Parmesan never goes amiss.

Side Dishes

This dish is filling, but you can elevate your meal with simple, crisp sides. Toss together a fresh green salad for a touch of acidity, or serve with steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every drop of that luscious garlic butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes in shallow bowls for a rustic look, or on a big platter family-style. You could even thread a few beef bites and potatoes onto skewers for a fun, finger-food twist at gatherings or casual parties. Presentation can turn this comforting meal into an eye-catching main course!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes keep well in the fridge. Transfer cooled portions into airtight containers, and they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. Remember to include plenty of that flavorful sauce to keep everything moist and succulent!

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, this recipe freezes beautifully. Simply store portions in freezer-friendly containers. For best results, enjoy within two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and taste of both meat and potatoes.

Reheating

To bring everything back to life, gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat—or microwave in a covered dish for a minute or two, stirring once halfway through. Add a splash of beef broth or a pat of butter if the sauce has thickened more than you like. Avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?

Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, you can also use sirloin or chuck cut into cubes. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time—the more marbled the meat, the better the results after slow cooking.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicy?

For a little kick, add red pepper flakes to your garlic butter sauce or finish the dish with a few dashes of hot sauce before serving. You can easily customize the heat level to suit your taste.

What can I substitute for baby potatoes?

If you don’t have baby potatoes, small Yukon Gold or red potatoes cut into chunks work well. Make sure the pieces are even-sized so everything cooks uniformly in the slow cooker.

Can I make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid and simmer the dish gently over low heat on the stovetop for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Check liquid levels occasionally and add extra broth if needed.

How do I know when the beef is perfectly cooked?

The beef should be easily pierced with a fork and very tender. If you taste a piece and it’s still chewy, let it cook a bit longer—the slow cooker will work its magic as long as you’re patient!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough adding Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes to your weekly rotation. It’s the kind of meal that feels both effortless and special, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Give it a try—chances are, it’ll become a new favorite in your household too!

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