There’s nothing quite like walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the rich aroma of garlic butter and tender beef. Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together, even on the most chaotic weeknights.
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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
I keep these ingredients stocked because this recipe saves me at least twice a month. The secret is using quality beef and real butter – the slow cooker transforms them into something special.
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 pound baby potatoes (halved for even cooking) – I recommend Yukon Gold for their buttery texture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted for the garlic butter sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced for flavor) – Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds depth to the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor) – Spanish smoked paprika works best in my experience
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (enhances the aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (adds a fragrant touch)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (to keep the dish moist) – I use low-sodium broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the beef)
Step-by-Step Instructions
The key to deep flavor here is searing the beef first. I learned this the hard way when I skipped it once – the difference is remarkable.
Step 1: Gather your ingredients and cut the beef into uniform 1 to 1.5-inch pieces so everything cooks evenly. Halve the baby potatoes. If you want to speed things up, you can parboil the halved potatoes in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, though this is completely optional.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Working in batches to avoid crowding, add beef pieces and sear for 6-8 minutes total, turning occasionally until a deep golden-brown crust forms on all sides. This step locks in moisture and builds rich flavor.
Step 3: While the beef sears, mix together your garlic butter sauce. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the spices are fully incorporated into the butter.
Step 4: Layer the halved baby potatoes across the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Place the seared beef on top of the potatoes. Pour the garlic butter sauce over everything, making sure both the beef and potatoes get coated. Add the beef broth around the sides.
Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef is ready when it shreds easily with a fork and the potatoes pierce cleanly with a knife. Let everything rest for 10 minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to thicken and the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
The richness of this dish calls for sides that add freshness and crunch without competing for attention.
Steamed Green Beans: Crisp green beans provide a fresh, clean contrast to the buttery richness of the beef. Their mild flavor and snappy texture balance every forkful perfectly. For an extra kick, try this Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry technique with your green beans.
Simple Garden Salad: Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette cut through the savory garlic butter while adding color and nutrients to your plate. The acidity from the dressing refreshes your palate between bites.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring natural sugars that complement the savory herbs beautifully. Toss them with honey and thyme for a side that echoes the main dish’s flavors without overwhelming them.
Crusty Bread: Warm, crusty bread is essential for soaking up every drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce pooling at the bottom of your bowl. Don’t let any of that liquid gold go to waste.
Sautéed Spinach: Quick-sautéed spinach with garlic adds iron and greens while keeping the focus on the beef. Its wilted texture works perfectly alongside the tender potatoes. If you love garlic-forward sides, check out this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup for another cozy option.
Storing and Reheating Your Beef Bites
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making this ideal for meal prep.
For the best reheating results, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. The stovetop method keeps the beef tender and brings back that just-cooked texture. If you’re using a microwave, reheat at 50% power in 1-minute intervals to prevent toughening the meat.
This dish is incredibly versatile beyond a standalone dinner. Serve it over Quick Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice style rice, toss it with egg noodles, or stuff it into warm tortillas for an easy lunch. The garlic butter sauce enhances whatever you pair it with.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely. Chuck roast cut into cubes works wonderfully and becomes incredibly tender. Sirloin is a leaner option that cooks slightly faster. Just adjust your cooking time based on the cut – tougher cuts need the full 6-8 hours on low.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Make this in a Dutch oven at 325°F for 2.5-3 hours, checking the beef for tenderness at the 2-hour mark. You can also use an Instant Pot on the meat/stew setting for 35 minutes with a natural pressure release.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes. Carrots, mushrooms, and pearl onions are excellent additions. Add them at the beginning with the potatoes so they have time to cook through and absorb the garlic butter flavors. Just remember that adding more vegetables may require an extra splash of broth.
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
- Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
- In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
