These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are a warm, hearty meal. Tender beef and soft potatoes soak up rich garlic butter flavors, making every bite a delight!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic cooking all day? I love how this dish lets the slow cooker do all the work while I relax. Perfect for busy days and cozy dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I like using chuck roast for its marbling and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try sirloin or even lamb. Each cut gives a slightly different flavor but will work great in this dish.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect because they cook evenly and don’t require peeling! You can swap them for regular potatoes; just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter instead—it’ll still taste great but with a slightly different richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor. But if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used instead, though you’ll need to adjust the amount to taste.
How Do I Get My Beef to Be Extra Tender in the Slow Cooker?
To achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, the key is the slow cooking method. Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and locks in moisture.
- Always season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear. This helps to create a tasty crust.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; letting it cook on low for 6-7 hours allows the connective tissues to break down.
This will give you a wonderful, tender dish every time!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef sirloin or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1.5 lbs (700g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if available)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and allows for cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Perfect for letting the flavors develop while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the seared beef and set it aside. This step really locks in the flavor!
2. Mixing the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and thyme. This mixture will add richness and flavor to your beef bites!
3. Preparing the Slow Cooker:
Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Now take half of that yummy garlic butter mixture and pour it over the potatoes. Toss them until coated nicely.
4. Layering the Ingredients:
Next, add the seared beef on top of the potatoes. Pour the remaining garlic butter mixture over the beef. This way, each piece of beef gets to bask in that delicious flavor!
5. Adding the Broth:
Pour the beef broth around the edges of the slow cooker. Try to avoid pouring it directly on the beef, as you want to keep the delightful sauce clinging to the meat.
6. Cooking it All Together:
Cover the slow cooker and cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is super tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. A little taste test ensures everything is just right!
8. Serving:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones!
This recipe yields tender, flavorful beef bites infused with rich garlic butter and perfectly cooked potatoes, perfect for a comforting slow-cooked meal any night of the week!
FAQ for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Beef in This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh beef for optimal flavor and texture. If you only have frozen beef, make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. Searing still works best with thawed meat for that great crust!
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
If you need a substitute, you can mix equal parts of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, a splash of balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in vegetables like carrots, green beans, or bell peppers. Just remember that different vegetables may require slight adjustments in cooking time, so add them based on their cooking requirements!
