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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender beef stew meat mingles with golden baby potatoes, all soaked in a rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce bursting with herbs and smoky paprika. This recipe effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any day of the week, bringing together deep, hearty flavors with a silky, buttery finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe starts with ingredients that are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the savory base, adding freshness, or delivering texture that complements the tender beef and potatoes perfectly.
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat: Choose a cut with some marbling for juicy, tender bites after slow cooking.
- 1 pound baby potatoes: Their small size allows them to cook evenly and soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The foundation of the sauce, offering richness and helping to bring out those garlicky flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic gives this dish its signature aromatic punch and irresistible aroma.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the garlic.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone that enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
- 0.25 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist during cooking and infuses even more meaty goodness.
- Olive oil: Needed for searing the beef to lock in flavor and create a beautiful crust.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every ingredient’s best qualities.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness of the butter and beef.
- Dried thyme: Introduces an earthy, slightly minty note to brighten the dish.
- Dried rosemary: Offers a piney aroma that complements the robust nature of the beef.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Beef and Potatoes
Start by cutting the beef stew meat into hearty, bite-sized pieces that are perfect for slow cooking. Halve the baby potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and absorb that luscious garlic butter sauce throughout. This initial prep sets the stage for all the flavors to meld beautifully later on.
Step 2: Sear the Beef to Lock in Flavor
Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the beef pieces. Searing them until browned—about 5 to 7 minutes—creates a caramelized crust that adds deep, savory complexity to every bite. Don’t rush this step; those golden edges make all the difference.
Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with freshly minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. This sauce is the heart of the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe, marrying buttery richness with aromatic herbs and spices that elevate the whole dish.
Step 4: Assemble and Slow Cook
Place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef bites into your slow cooker, then pour the garlic butter sauce over everything. Finish by adding the beef broth, which keeps the dish moist and tender as it cooks. Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the beef to become fork-tender and the flavors to fully develop.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once cooking time is up, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes. This brief pause lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and full of flavor. Plus, it gives you a moment to prepare your serving plates and decide on any garnishes or sides.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chives add a burst of color and a fresh, green note that contrasts beautifully with the rich garlic butter sauce. A light squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish, balancing the richness and adding a subtle zing.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to add freshness and a touch of crunch with every forkful. Creamy mashed cauliflower or simple buttered green beans also pair wonderfully, soaking up any remaining sauce with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, pile the beef bites and potatoes onto rustic wooden boards or warm ceramic plates. Consider topping with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or toasted pine nuts for extra texture. For a cozy family meal vibe, serve straight from the slow cooker to the table and let everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish is fully cooled before sealing to preserve the flavors and maintain the tender texture of the beef and potatoes.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to keep the beef tender and the potatoes intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much, so it stays silky and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat works best for tender results in slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes or other braising cuts. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if using larger or thicker pieces.
Is there a way to make this recipe quicker?
If you’re short on time, you can skip the slow cooker and finish the dish on the stovetop by simmering everything in a covered pan with low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, checking for tenderness regularly.
Can I substitute baby potatoes with another type?
Yes, small Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great alternatives. Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly alongside the beef bites.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil. While the texture will be a little different, the flavor will still be rich and delicious due to the garlic and herbs.
What sides go best with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe?
Light, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or simple steamed greens complement the hearty, buttery beef bites and potatoes perfectly without overwhelming the plate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a true celebration of comfort food, this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe should be your go-to. Its rich flavors, melt-in-your-mouth textures, and easy, hands-off preparation make it a total winner in my kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your favorite dishes to share with friends and family.
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Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3.5 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (using low setting)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef stew meat and baby potatoes simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Perfect for a comforting family meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 0.25 cup beef broth
- Olive oil, for searing
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to lock in flavor.
- Mix Garlic Butter Sauce: In a bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a fragrant garlic butter sauce.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the halved potatoes and seared beef bites into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top, then add the beef broth to help keep the mixture moist and tender.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Cook until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest in the slow cooker for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh parsley or chives as a garnish before serving.
- If short on time, searing the beef can be skipped, but it enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference; adding a little chili powder can give a nice kick.
- Baby potatoes can be substituted with red or Yukon gold potatoes if desired.
- Ensure the slow cooker is not overfilled to allow proper cooking and heat circulation.
