This dish features tender beef bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with hearty potatoes. The slow cooker makes it super easy, giving you a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Every bite is soft and full of flavor. I love how the potatoes soak up all that tasty garlic butter. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Perfect after a long day! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef chuck for its tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for something leaner, sirloin works too. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect for this dish since they cook nicely with the beef. You can substitute with Yukon Gold or red potatoes, just cut larger ones into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Garlic: Six cloves may seem like a lot, but garlic brings amazing flavor! If you’re not a fan, you could reduce it to 3-4 cloves or use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon) instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a nice richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
How Do I Achieve Tender Beef in My Slow Cooker?
To make sure your beef is super tender, focus on the searing process. Here’s a simple guide:
- Heat your skillet enough to get a good sear on each side of the beef. This locks in flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the beef in batches to ensure it browns well.
- Patience is key! Let it cook without stirring too much to let that golden crust form.
Also, the slow cooking process helps break down the meat fibers. Just make sure you cook it low and slow for the best results, and you’ll have melt-in-your-mouth beef!
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take approximately 15-20 minutes to prep, and then you can let the slow cooker do the work! Cook for about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. By the end, you’ll have a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, season the beef bites with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the dried thyme and rosemary. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. After browning, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, cooking until they’re fragrant and translucent, which will take around 2-3 minutes. This step brings out the lovely flavors!
3. Combine and Pour:
Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the garlic and onions. Stir everything together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This flavorful sauce will be poured over the beef in the slow cooker.
4. Add Potatoes and Season:
Now, pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the halved or quartered baby potatoes and sprinkle the remaining thyme and rosemary on top. You can also add some extra salt and pepper if you’d like to enhance the flavors.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to let the beef become tender and the potatoes cook through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, garnish your beef and potatoes with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve it warm and enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones!
Enjoy your comforting Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed beef for optimal browning and texture. If you have frozen beef, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave defrost setting before cooking. This ensures your beef bites cook evenly and become tender!
What If I Don’t Have Baby Potatoes?
No problem! You can substitute baby potatoes with Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Aim for about 1.5 pounds total for the right amount.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep it moist!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like carrots, green beans, or bell peppers during the last couple of hours of cooking. This adds extra flavor and nutrition to your meal!
