Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

There's something magical about walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the savory, buttery aroma of garlic beef slow-cooking to perfection. This cozy, comforting dish combines melt-in-your-mouth beef bites with tender, golden potatoes – all infused with rich garlic butter and herbs.

this Recipe

I first tried this recipe during a busy holiday season when I needed something easy, hearty, and hands-off. One bite and it instantly became a regular on our dinner rotation. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker wonder hits all the right notes.

Not only is this dish incredibly satisfying, but it's also easy to make, budget-friendly, and ideal for feeding a crowd. Let's dive into what makes it so special.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe checks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and flexibility.

It’s hands-off and hassle-free.
Once you toss everything into the slow cooker, you're free to go about your day. There’s no constant checking or stirring required – just set it and forget it!

Packed with bold, savory flavors.
The combination of garlic, herbs, and butter seeps into every bite of beef and potato, creating a deeply comforting dish that feels like it’s been slow-roasted for hours – because it has!

It’s a one-pot meal.
No need for side dishes or juggling extra pans. The meat and potatoes cook together, soaking up all the flavor and making cleanup a breeze.

Perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
This dish stores and reheats beautifully, so it’s great for planning ahead or enjoying for a couple of meals throughout the week.

Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or cozying up on a Sunday afternoon, this dish offers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a truly special meal.

Beef stew meat is the star of the show. I prefer using pre-cut stew meat, often labeled as chuck or round, for ease. It’s affordable and becomes wonderfully tender in the slow cooker. For even more richness, you can cut up a boneless chuck roast yourself for meatier bites.

Baby potatoes are the perfect pairing for this dish. Their skins add texture and help them hold together during the long cook. I like to use a mix of red and gold potatoes for both color and flavor variety. Halving them ensures they cook evenly and soak up that garlic butter goodness.

Garlic and butter are non-negotiables here. Freshly minced garlic is best – it melts into the butter and infuses every bite with irresistible flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level more precisely throughout the cooking process.

Herbs like thyme, parsley, and rosemary add aromatic depth. You can use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available, though I recommend finishing the dish with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

You won’t need much equipment – just a reliable slow cooker (5-6 quarts works well), a sharp knife for prepping, and a large spoon for serving. That’s it!

How to Make This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Creating this warm and satisfying dish is as easy as it gets. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to make it.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Wash and halve the baby potatoes, mince your garlic, and, if not using pre-cut beef, chop your chuck roast into bite-sized pieces. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.

Next, sear the beef in batches on the stovetop. While this step is optional, it adds a rich, caramelized flavor that really elevates the final dish. Use a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil and don’t overcrowd the pan. You want that nice golden-brown crust.

In the meantime, melt your butter and mix it with the garlic and herbs. This will be your flavor powerhouse. Pour half of it over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker, reserving the rest for later.

Then, it’s time to layer the ingredients in your slow cooker. Add the seared beef, potatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, and give it all a gentle stir to coat everything in the garlic herb butter.

Set your slow cooker on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule. The beef will become fork-tender, and the potatoes will soak up all the flavor while staying wonderfully soft.

Once done, drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the finished dish, toss gently to coat, and garnish with chopped parsley. The result? A stunning, aromatic plate that’s ready to serve.

Total time: about 15 minutes prep, 7-8 hours cook time.

Storage Options

This dish is just as good the next day – maybe even better!

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The garlic butter flavor will continue to deepen, making the leftovers especially delicious.

You can also freeze portions for later. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. For a crispier potato texture, reheat in a skillet on the stovetop or in an air fryer.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

If you don’t have stew meat, pork shoulder or chicken thighs work well as substitutes. Just be aware of cooking times – chicken may cook faster, so adjust accordingly.

Want more veggies? Add carrots, mushrooms, or onions. Just chop them into large chunks so they hold their shape during the long cook.

To switch up the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar to the garlic butter for deeper umami tones.

If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use ghee or a plant-based butter substitute. It won’t be exactly the same, but still rich and satisfying.

Spice lovers might enjoy a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of smoked paprika for a little extra kick.

This is a great base recipe to experiment with – so don’t hesitate to get creative based on what you have on hand!

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