If you’re craving a dish that brings together rich, buttery flavors with tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, the Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe is just the ticket. This comforting recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunningly delicious meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these beef bites paired with buttery baby Yukon gold potatoes deliver hearty satisfaction with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is key to capturing the full essence of this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the perfectly tender stew meat to the fragrant garlic and creamy butter that infuse this slow-cooked masterpiece with irresistible taste and texture.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled pieces for tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the beef.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory notes, complementing the fresh garlic perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Balances the flavor with a blend of herbs and spices for a savory punch.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic offers robust aroma and a flavorful kick throughout the dish.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads: Melts slowly to coat the beef and potatoes in rich goodness.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these potatoes cook beautifully alongside the beef for a perfect pairing.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering and measuring all your ingredients. This simple prep sets the foundation for a smooth cooking experience. Chop the garlic finely to ensure the flavor disperses evenly during cooking, and wash your baby Yukon gold potatoes well to keep their delicate skins intact.
Step 2: Place Beef and Potatoes in the Slow Cooker
Arrange the beef stew meat on one side of your slow cooker and the potatoes on the other. This separation helps both components cook evenly without blending their textures prematurely while still allowing the flavors to mingle.
Step 3: Season with Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Seasoned Salt
Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over the beef and potatoes. This trio of seasonings enhances the depth and complexity of the beef bites while ensuring the potatoes aren’t left behind in the flavor department.
Step 4: Toss the Beef to Evenly Distribute Seasonings
Using a spoon or your hands, gently toss the beef to coat each bite with the seasoning blend. Keep the beef and potatoes separate during this process to maintain their distinct cooking qualities.
Step 5: Add Fresh Garlic and Butter Pads on Top
Scatter the chopped garlic evenly over the mixture to infuse the dish with bold flavors as it cooks. Then, strategically place pads of butter over both the beef and potatoes for rich, luscious flavor and a silky texture once melted.
Step 6: Cover and Cook on Low for 6 Hours
Set your slow cooker on low and let the magic happen. The low-and-slow cooking method tenderizes the beef beautifully while allowing the potatoes to soak up the savory juices. After six hours, you’ll have irresistibly tender beef bites swimming in a buttery garlic sauce.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top. A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds visual appeal and a subtle bite that complements the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables provides a refreshing contrast. A slice of crusty bread is also perfect to soak up every last drop of the garlicky butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the beef bites and potatoes in rustic individual bowls for a cozy family-style feel. Or, for a party twist, spoon the beef bites on toasted baguette slices for delightful appetizer bites that will impress your guests with minimal fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Butter Beef Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will continue to meld, making leftovers just as delicious the next day. Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen Garlic Butter Beef Bites can be kept for up to 3 months without losing their delicious qualities.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, covered, to keep the beef tender and the potatoes creamy. Adding a small splash of beef broth or water can help restore moisture if needed during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat works best for tenderness, chuck roast cut into cubes is a great alternative. Just ensure the pieces are roughly the same size to cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?
In this recipe, browning isn’t necessary since the slow cooker will tenderize the beef beautifully. Skipping this step makes the process easier without sacrificing flavor.
Can I substitute the potatoes with another vegetable?
Yes, baby carrots or pearl onions are excellent substitutes. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly to achieve the perfect tenderness.
Is it possible to cook this recipe on high in the slow cooker?
You can, but it’s best to keep an eye on the doneness. Cooking on high for about 3-4 hours may work, but a low heat setting for 6 hours ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Simply swap the baby Yukon gold potatoes for low-carb veggies like cauliflower florets or zucchini chunks, allowing you to enjoy the rich garlic butter beef bites while keeping carbs in check.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and leaves you with a plate of pure comfort. It’s a recipe that’s easy to prepare, delightfully flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready with little hands-on time. I can’t wait for you to give this one a try—it might just become your new favorite slow cooker meal!
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Garlic Butter Beef Bites in the Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender and flavorful Garlic Butter Beef Bites cooked low and slow with baby Yukon gold potatoes in a slow cooker. This easy, hands-off recipe infuses the beef with aromatic garlic and rich butter, creating a comforting meal perfect for busy days or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients. Measure and cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pads to ensure even melting later.
- Place Beef and Potatoes in the Slow Cooker: Arrange beef stew meat on one side of the slow cooker insert, and place baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other side. This separation helps the ingredients cook evenly.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over the beef and potatoes, ensuring both are well seasoned but remain separated.
- Toss the Beef: Gently toss the beef stew meat to evenly coat it with the spices, making sure it stays separate from the potatoes for best cooking results.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Evenly distribute the chopped garlic over the meat and potatoes, then place the pads of butter on top, allowing them to slowly melt and infuse the flavors during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the beef bites and softens the potatoes while melding the buttery garlic flavors.
- Serve: After cooking, carefully stir to combine flavors if desired and serve hot with the rich sauce from the slow cooker for dipping or pouring over the beef and potatoes.
Notes
- You can swap baby Yukon gold potatoes for baby red potatoes if preferred.
- For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Ensure the slow cooker lid fits tightly to keep moisture in during cooking.
- Do not open the lid frequently while cooking to maintain steady temperature and cooking time.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted butter or seasoned salt with different salt levels.
