These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are a heartwarming dish. The beef becomes tender and juicy, soaking up the rich garlic butter flavor while the potatoes cook to perfection!
What’s not to love? Cooking all day means your house will smell amazing, and it’s perfect for cozy family dinners. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: For this recipe, I recommend using beef sirloin for its flavor and tenderness. Chuck steak is also a great option as it becomes super tender in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using turkey or chicken, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are convenient because they cook evenly and don’t need peeling. If you don’t have them, feel free to use diced regular potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a twist on the flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in the dish. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, consider olive oil instead. It won’t have the same richness, but it will still taste good!
Garlic: Fresh garlic definitely adds more flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, though you’d need about a teaspoon of it for every clove to match the flavor.
What’s the Trick to Keeping Beef Tender and Juicy?
The secret to juicy, tender beef in a slow cooker is all in the cooking time and the low temperature. Here’s how to ensure your beef stays delicious:
- Choose meat with some marbling; fat enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Cut the beef into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Don’t rush it! Cooking on low for 6-7 hours allows the flavors to meld and the beef to soften beautifully.
If you find that your beef takes longer or is still tough, just let it cook longer. Slow cookers can vary, and it’s always better to check on it occasionally!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or chuck steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (red or yellow), halved or quartered if large
For The Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. It’s a perfect dish to set in the morning and enjoy a hot meal by dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Garlic Butter:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until nicely blended and fragrant. This is your flavorful garlic butter mixture!
2. Coat the Beef:
Next, add your beef cubes to the bowl. Toss them gently until each piece is well-coated in that delicious garlic butter mixture. This will make the beef super flavorful as it cooks.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Now, it’s time to set up your slow cooker. Place the halved baby potatoes at the bottom. Spread them out evenly so they cook nicely. This way, they’ll soak up all the buttery goodness while cooking!
4. Layer the Beef:
Carefully layer the coated beef bites over the potatoes. You want to keep it evenly spread out for even cooking. Don’t forget to pour the beef broth or water around the edges of the slow cooker to ensure the potatoes stay moist and soft.
5. Start Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. If you’re cooking on low, let it run for 6-7 hours; if on high, it will take about 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is tender and those baby potatoes are cooked through!
6. Final Touches:
Once the time is up, gently stir everything together in the cooker to mix all those lovely flavors. It might smell too good to resist! Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out warm servings and enjoy the comforting flavors of your garlic butter beef bites with potatoes. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
This recipe yields tender, flavorful beef with buttery garlic potatoes, perfectly crafted in your slow cooker for an effortless dinner!
FAQ for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef! Just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to achieve tender results. Thaw the beef in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Avoid cooking from frozen, as it may affect the cooking time and texture.
What Can I Substitute for Baby Potatoes?
If baby potatoes aren’t available, you can use regular potatoes, diced into similar-sized pieces, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor. Just make sure they are cut to uniform sizes for even cooking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop; add a splash of broth to keep the dish moist. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them to a similar size as the potatoes and layer them in with the beef. They will cook perfectly alongside the potatoes!
