Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that practically cooks itself, the Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This dish brings together tender beef morsels, buttery garlic, and perfectly cooked baby potatoes, all seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to throw together and slow cook to perfection, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want deliciousness without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each component plays a vital role: the meat’s richness, the butter’s silky texture, the garlic’s aromatic zing, and those little potatoes absorbing every bit of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather to make the magic happen.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure tender, flavorful bites after slow cooking.
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes: Halved to cook evenly, soaking up that garlicky butter goodness.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Sliced into pieces to melt slowly, enriching the beef and potatoes.
- 5 cloves garlic: Minced to release its aromatic punch that transforms the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the beef to lock in flavor and texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors and balances the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the butter and garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides an earthy herbal note that pairs beautifully with beef.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a pine-like aroma that enhances the slow-cooked flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that deepens the dish’s character.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Keeps the meat juicy and infuses the potatoes with savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkled at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Beef
Begin by patting your beef stew meat dry—this simple step helps you get a gorgeous sear on each cube. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and work in batches, searing the beef for 3 to 4 minutes until every side is beautifully browned. This process locks in the juices, delivering tender, flavorful bites later on. Once seared, transfer the beef cubes to your crockpot.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
Using the same skillet you seared the beef in, add the sliced butter and minced garlic. The residual heat will gently melt the butter and bring out the garlic’s fragrant sweetness as you sauté for 1 to 2 minutes—just be careful not to burn it! This buttery garlic sauce will be poured right over the beef for that rich, mouthwatering taste.
Step 3: Season and Layer
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef cubes in the crockpot, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Toss everything gently to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the herbs and spices. Add in your halved baby potatoes, which will soak up all those incredible flavors, then pour in the beef broth to keep everything moist and juicy as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The slow cooking process breaks down the beef until it’s tender and juicy, while the potatoes become soft and infused with garlic butter and herbs. The end result is a cozy, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Step 5: Final Touches
When the cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir to mix the flavors one last time. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to brighten the colors and add a refreshing herbal note right before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, but feel free to experiment with a little grated Parmesan for richness or a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the butteriness.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans adds a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. A crusty baguette works beautifully for soaking up the buttery garlic sauce left behind on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style feel, serve straight from the crockpot at the table with a large spoon for everyone to help themselves. Or plate it elegantly by stacking the beef bites and potatoes on a warm dish and garnishing with parsley and maybe a drizzle of extra melted butter for an indulgent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish all week long without feeling like a kitchen slave.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure the stew has cooled completely before sealing to keep flavors fresh. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Slow and gentle reheating is key to maintain the tenderness of the beef and the softness of the potatoes. Use a stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, covering to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender, you could also use chuck roast cut into cubes or even brisket. Just be mindful of cooking times and fat content for the best result.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
Searing the beef is highly recommended as it caramelizes the surface, adding depth of flavor and a lovely texture that slow cooking alone can’t achieve. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I use frozen baby potatoes for this recipe?
Fresh baby potatoes work best, but if you only have frozen ones on hand, add them later in the cooking process to avoid them becoming too mushy. About 2 hours before the end of cooking on low or 1 hour on high should work well.
What can I substitute if I don’t have beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a splash of soy sauce for extra umami. Just be wary of salt levels and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in the Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect hearty meal for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal that’s simple to prepare yet so full of rich, warming flavors. The Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe ticks all these boxes and then some, making it a go-to for those busy days when you crave comfort food without the hassle. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
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Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef stew meat cooked low and slow with baby potatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The beef is first seared to lock in juices, then combined with butter, garlic, and a blend of spices before slow cooking to perfection. Infused with the rich flavors of thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika, this hearty, comforting dish is perfect for an easy, hands-off meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
Seasonings and Others
- 4 tablespoons butter, sliced into pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef stew meat cubes dry using paper towels to ensure good browning during searing.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned. Transfer the seared beef to the crockpot.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: In the same skillet, add the sliced butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Garlic Butter to Crockpot: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the seared beef in the crockpot.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika over the beef. Toss gently to coat the meat evenly with the seasonings.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the halved baby potatoes into the crockpot along with the beef broth. Stir lightly to evenly distribute flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, give the mixture a gentle stir. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh touch before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the beef dry before searing to get a nice crust and deepen flavor.
- Searing the meat in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures each piece browns properly.
- Do not burn the garlic when sautéing; cook just until fragrant for the best flavor.
- The slow cooker timings allow flexibility; low for 7-8 hours is ideal for tender meat.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
