Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a delicious, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender beef bites with flavorful garlic butter and creamy potatoes, creating a meal that everyone will love. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this slow cooker recipe offers convenience without sacrificing taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Perfect for busy nights!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs infuses the beef and potatoes with mouthwatering flavors.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use different cuts of beef or swap in your favorite vegetables to customize the dish.
- Family Favorite: With its comforting taste and hearty texture, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—great for lunches or quick dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The key to making this dish effortlessly; it cooks low and slow for maximum flavor.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the beef and potatoes quick and easy.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining seasonings with the beef before cooking.
Ingredients
For the Beef Bites
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
For the Potatoes
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Garnishes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by seasoning your beef cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. If you choose to sear the meat, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides.
Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned beef into the slow cooker. Add halved baby potatoes on top.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until mixed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Ensure everything is well coated.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for about 4 hours until everything is tender.
Step 6: Serve Up!
Once cooked, garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a comforting meal. These tender beef bites paired with buttery potatoes make for a hearty dish that everyone will love.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: Add whole thyme sprigs as a garnish to enhance aroma and flavor.
Over Rice or Noodles
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve the beef bites over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for extra richness.
- Egg Noodles: Toss the beef and sauce with egg noodles for a satisfying, carb-packed meal.
As a Wrap
- Tortilla Wraps: Spoon the beef and potatoes into warm tortillas for delicious wraps that are easy to eat.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with beef and potatoes.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the richness of the beef bites.
- Greek Salad: The fresh vegetables and feta cheese in Greek salad provide a nice contrast to the savory dish.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
To ensure your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Select Quality Meat: Choose fresh beef chuck roast or sirloin for tender bites.
- Sear Before Slow Cooking: Browning the meat in olive oil adds depth of flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary will elevate the taste compared to dried versions.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your slow cooker, check doneness at around 6 hours on low.
- Thicken Sauce if Desired: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add it during the last hour of cooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to lock in flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the beef bites.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil add color and nutrition.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of beef.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory taste of the dish beautifully.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and health benefits to your plate.
- Baked Beans: Their sweet and smoky flavor pairs well with hearty beef meals.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings protein and fiber along with fresh veggies.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer an extra potato option that everyone loves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, a few common mistakes can affect your dish’s outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too much beef or potatoes can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for steam to circulate by sticking to the recommended amounts.
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Skipping the searing step: While optional, searing the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step if you want a deeper taste profile.
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Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in strength. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed throughout the cooking process for optimal flavor.
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Not using enough liquid: Insufficient broth can result in dry bites. Always check that there’s enough liquid in the pot; add more broth if necessary.
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Leaving it on high too long: Cooking on high for too long can toughen the meat. Stick to low and slow for tender results, especially with tougher cuts like chuck roast.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place covered in an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, stir occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes?
Chuck roast or sirloin works best due to its flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly.
Can I use other vegetables with this recipe?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or green beans make great additions or substitutions.
How do I customize Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes?
Feel free to adjust spices or add different herbs like oregano or basil based on your preference!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well and is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or lunches.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings comfort to any table. Its versatility allows for various customizations, making it easy to adapt to your family’s tastes. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender beef cubes and creamy potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic, resulting in a hearty meal that everyone will love. With customizable ingredients and the option for leftovers, this dish makes meal planning a breeze.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (thyme and rosemary)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Optionally sear in olive oil until browned.
- Place seasoned beef in the slow cooker and add halved potatoes on top.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce; pour over the beef and potatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
