If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe is here to make your day. This recipe perfectly combines tender, flavorful beef morsels with golden baby potatoes, all infused with an irresistible garlic butter sauce that boasts hints of smoked paprika and aromatic herbs. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies deeply, warms your kitchen with its enticing aroma, and feels special yet comforting all at once. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this easy-to-follow dish will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but pack so much flavor and texture into the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the rich butter and bold garlic to the hearty beef and earthy potatoes, while herbs and spices elevate the dish to next-level goodness.
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
- 1 pound baby potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skins make them perfect for roasting alongside beef.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This creates the rich, silky garlic butter sauce that ties everything together.
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh and pungent garlic ensures the sauce bursts with flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the garlic.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky, warm kick that complements the beef beautifully.
- 0.25 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and adds savory richness during slow cooking.
- Olive oil: For searing beef perfectly and developing flavorful crusts.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and boldness.
- Dried thyme: Brings subtle earthiness and pairs wonderfully with beef.
- Dried rosemary: Offers fragrant pine notes that elevate the dish’s aroma.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Potatoes
Start by cutting your beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces—this ensures each morsel is perfect for slow cooking and easy to enjoy. Halve the baby potatoes so they cook evenly and soak up all those lovely flavors alongside the beef. Getting these prepped sets the foundation for a great meal.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the beef bites. Sear them until they develop a rich brown crust, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juices and adds extra savory depth to the final dish. Don’t rush it! A proper sear makes all the difference.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. This aromatic sauce is packed with layers of flavor that will soak into your beef and potatoes during cooking, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the halved potatoes and seared beef bites into your slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce over everything, then add the beef broth. The broth keeps the dish moist while the slow heat allows all the flavors to meld perfectly. This step is where the magic starts to happen.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to get the beef fork-tender and the potatoes soft but not mushy. The wait may test your patience but trust me, it’s worth every minute.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once cooking is complete, let the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and potatoes, making every bite juicy, flavorful, and downright divine.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich beef and buttery potatoes. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can enhance the flavors, while a dash of freshly cracked black pepper provides a fresh kick.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables. A crusty bread loaf is also a fantastic companion to soak up any remaining garlic butter sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, you can serve the beef bites and potatoes in small cast iron skillets, creating an inviting, rustic presentation. Alternatively, arrange the beef and potatoes on a large serving platter with garnish scattered artfully on top—it’s both casual and impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats during busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to save time further, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out the beef and potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, stew meat works best due to its tenderness when slow-cooked, but chuck roast cut into cubes is an excellent alternative. Avoid leaner cuts that may dry out during the long cooking time.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Definitely! You can use a heavy pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop, cooking on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
What can I substitute for baby potatoes?
You can use fingerling potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes cut into chunks, or even sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness.
How can I make the garlic butter sauce more intense?
Use roasted garlic instead of raw for deeper, sweeter garlic flavor. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a pleasant heat that complements the smoky paprika.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. The ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your beef broth is certified gluten-free if you are cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and flavor that feels incredibly satisfying every time you make it. From the tender beef and buttery potatoes to the deeply savory garlic butter sauce, it’s a recipe that invites comfort and joy to your table. Give it a try soon — I promise it will become one of your go-to meals to share with friends and family.
Print
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 45 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe combines tender seared beef and halved baby potatoes slow-cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, this hearty dish offers a comforting and savory meal ideal for family dinners.
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 into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- 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 to 7 minutes, to lock in the flavors and texture.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant and flavorful sauce.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the halved potatoes and seared beef bites into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the top along with the beef broth to keep the mixture moist during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
Notes
- Searing the beef first adds depth and richness by developing a caramelized crust.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes for similar results.
- Adjust the herbs and spices according to your preference for a personalized flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
