crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes Recipe

If you have been on the lookout for a comforting, effortless meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender, juicy beef stew meat with soft, buttery baby potatoes, all infused with fragrant garlic and rich butter flavors. Thanks to the slow cooker, the beef bites come out perfectly tender while the potatoes soak up every bit of that savory goodness. It’s a simple recipe with incredible depth, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without fuss. Once you try these crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes, you’ll understand why it earns a special spot at the dinner table again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture while keeping things refreshingly straightforward. They work together to create that irresistible garlic butter glaze coating the beef and tender potatoes for a dish that’s as tasty as it is easy to prepare.

• 2 pounds beef stew meat: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
• 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These small potatoes hold their shape well and become luxuriously buttery.
• 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor alongside the fresh garlic.
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Brings balanced seasoning for all the ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic adds a punch of aromatic flavor that’s essential here.
• 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads: Melts slowly to coat the beef and potatoes in rich, luscious garlic butter sauce.

How to Make crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes

Step 1: Prepare and Layer the Ingredients

Start by placing the beef stew meat in one half of your crockpot, which will allow it to cook evenly without mixing into the potatoes just yet. In the other half, place the baby Yukon gold potatoes. Keeping ingredients separate at first helps each one retain its texture and absorb flavors perfectly.

Step 2: Season the Beef and Potatoes

Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both sides of the meat and potatoes. This ensures every bite is well seasoned and aromatic, setting the foundation for an incredible depth of flavor.

Step 3: Toss the Beef Gently

Carefully toss the beef to coat it evenly with the seasonings, but avoid mixing it with the potatoes. This helps maintain distinct textures while still allowing both elements to soak up the delicious spices and butter during cooking.

Step 4: Add Fresh Garlic and Butter Pads

Scatter the chopped garlic on top of the meat and potatoes. Then, place the butter pads evenly over the entire dish. As the crockpot heats up, this butter melts into a rich garlic-infused sauce that brings the dish together in the most satisfying way.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the beef bites to become tender and the potatoes to absorb the garlic butter flavors fully. The aroma alone will have you eagerly awaiting mealtime.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once cooking is complete, use a spoon to drizzle the melted garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the crockpot over the beef and potatoes. Serve hot for a comforting meal that will quickly become a household favorite.

How to Serve crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a gorgeous pop of green and a fresh, herby note that cuts through the rich garlic butter. For a little extra texture, you can also top with a handful of crispy fried onions.

Side Dishes

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, pairing with a crisp green salad or steamed bright veggies like broccoli or green beans provides a refreshing contrast. A crusty loaf of bread is also perfect for mopping up any leftover garlic butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the beef bites and potatoes over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or polenta to add a silky background. You can also bowl it up as a hearty stew with a spoonful of sour cream or horseradish for an extra burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow and meld even more overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for quick dinners when you need something satisfying without the prep.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, or microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to redistribute the garlic butter sauce and keep the beef tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes?

Yes! While stew meat is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can substitute chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces or even brisket. Just ensure the pieces are uniform for even cooking times.

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?

Nope! This recipe skips browning to keep it simple and hands-off, plus the slow cooker does all the work to tenderize and flavor the beef beautifully.

What are good variations for this recipe?

Try adding sliced mushrooms, carrots, or pearl onions for more vegetable variety. You could also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?

Absolutely. Use the sauté function to brown the beef if desired, then pressure cook everything on high for about 35 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

The potatoes add carbohydrates, so you might substitute them with cauliflower florets to keep it low-carb while maintaining a similar texture absorbent of the garlic butter sauce.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about coming home to a meal like crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes, where minimal prep leads to maximum comfort. The marriage of tender beef, buttery potatoes, and fragrant garlic butter sauce is simply unbeatable. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—whether for a casual weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.

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