Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, savory, and effortlessly comforting, these Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are the ultimate answer. Tender beef cubes, fragrant garlic butter, and perfectly cooked baby potatoes come together in a slow-cooked dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe is beginner-friendly and transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful feast. The slow cooker does the work, while you enjoy the intoxicating aroma of garlic, herbs, and butter filling your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Beginner-Friendly: Minimal prep, straightforward instructions, perfect for first-time crockpot users.
• One-Pot Cooking: Beef, potatoes, and garlic butter cook together—minimal cleanup.
• Flavor-Packed: Garlic, butter, and herbs infuse every bite.
• Customizable: Add carrots, onions, or other vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in the morning and ready by dinner time.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4–6 people and uses simple pantry staples.

Beef

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

Potatoes

• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• Alternative: fingerling or quartered red potatoes

Garlic Butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Liquid

• ½ cup beef broth

Garnish (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Crockpot or slow cooker (4–6 quart recommended)
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet for searing beef (optional)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or spatula for stirring

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Beef

1. In a large bowl, combine beef cubes, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
2. Toss until each piece of beef is evenly coated with seasonings.

Pro Tip: Even if you skip searing, seasoning first ensures maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional)

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In batches, sear beef cubes until browned on all sides (2–3 minutes per batch).
3. Transfer browned beef to the crockpot.

Note: Searing enhances flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Make Garlic Butter

1. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over low heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
3. Pour the garlic butter over the beef in the crockpot.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Broth

1. Arrange halved baby potatoes around the beef.
2. Pour ½ cup beef broth over the mixture.
3. Gently stir to combine without breaking the potatoes.

Step 5: Slow Cook

• Cover the crockpot and cook:
  • Low: 6–8 hours
  • High: 3–4 hours
• The beef should be tender, and potatoes should be fully cooked.

Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

1. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread or alongside other sides.

Tips & Variations

Vegetables

• Add carrots, onions, or parsnips for added flavor and nutrition.
• Root vegetables cook well alongside potatoes in the crockpot.

Potatoes

• Fingerling potatoes or quartered red potatoes work as alternatives.
• Halve large potatoes for even cooking.

Garlic

• Adjust garlic quantity to taste—more for stronger flavor, less for subtle hints.

Make-Ahead

• Combine beef, seasonings, and garlic butter in the crockpot insert the night before.
• Store in the fridge until ready to cook in the morning.

Searing Beef

• While optional, searing creates deep caramelization and adds richness to the final dish.
• Use a hot skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture:

• Rich, buttery, and garlicky beef bites with tender, savory potatoes.
• Herbaceous notes from thyme and rosemary enhance the flavor complexity.
• Paprika adds subtle warmth and color.

Suggested Pairings:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up garlic butter sauce.
• Light salad or sautéed greens for balance.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for freshness.

Nutritional Overview

Approximate per serving (1/4 of recipe):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	36 g
Carbs	22 g
Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	700 mg

Dietary Notes:

• Gluten-free if using naturally gluten-free beef broth.
• High-protein, comforting, and filling.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Evening Prep: Season beef and store in crockpot insert overnight.
• Vegetable Prep: Chop potatoes and add before cooking or store separately in fridge.
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through; cover to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I skip searing the beef?
Yes. Searing adds flavor and color but is optional. The crockpot will still produce tender beef.

2. Can I use other cuts of beef?
Chuck roast or sirloin cubes work, but stew meat is ideal for slow cooking.

3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then cook on high pressure for 25–30 minutes with natural release.

4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Carrots, parsnips, and onions complement the dish well.

5. How do I prevent potatoes from getting mushy?
Cut potatoes into even-sized pieces and avoid stirring too vigorously. Cook on low for 6–8 hours for best texture.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep ingredients	20 min
Sear beef (optional)	10 min
Garlic butter preparation	2 min
Assemble in crockpot	5 min
Cook (low)	6–8 hrs
Cook (high)	3–4 hrs
Total	6–8 hrs (low) or 3–4 hrs (high)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in shallow bowls to showcase beef and potatoes.
• Drizzle additional garlic butter from crockpot over servings.
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable-Loaded Version: Add carrots, parsnips, and mushrooms.
2. Spicy Garlic Butter Beef: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to garlic butter.
3. Herb Variations: Swap rosemary and thyme for oregano and basil for Italian-inspired flavors.
4. Cheesy Option: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over potatoes before serving for a richer taste.

Ingredient Spotlight

Beef Stew Meat

• Selection: Choose well-marbled pieces for tenderness and flavor.
• Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Tip: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking in crockpot.

Baby Potatoes

• Selection: Choose uniform-sized potatoes for even cooking.
• Toasting: Optional pre-cooking in olive oil enhances flavor.
• Storage: Store unwashed in cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.

Garlic Butter

• Selection: Fresh garlic provides best flavor; pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Storage: Can make ahead and store in fridge for 2 days.
• Tip: Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd Crockpot: Space allows even cooking and better flavor infusion.
• Use Low Heat for Tender Beef: Slow and steady ensures melt-in-your-mouth results.
• Layer Flavor: Season beef first, then add garlic butter and broth for depth.
• Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley brightens dish and adds visual appeal.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store cooked beef and potatoes in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in crockpot or skillet to retain moisture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	36 g
Carbs	22 g
Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	700 mg

Dietary Notes:

• Gluten-free if using GF beef broth
• High-protein comfort food
• Adjustable for low-sodium diets by reducing salt

Expanded Conclusion

These Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are comfort food at its finest—rich, flavorful, and easy to make. With tender beef, buttery garlic, and perfectly cooked baby potatoes, this dish turns any dinner into a memorable feast.

The slow cooker does all the work, infusing beef and potatoes with herbaceous flavor while leaving your kitchen smelling irresistible. Add vegetables for extra nutrition, customize seasonings to taste, and serve with crusty bread or a side salad.

Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will become a go-to comfort food favorite that’s both satisfying and simple.

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