Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites for Busy Weeknights

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are a rich, hearty meal that combines tender beef with the comforting flavors of garlic and butter. If you’re looking for a delicious, hands-off dinner option, this recipe is the perfect choice. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a breeze to prepare even on the busiest days.

This recipe features beef stew meat, which becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow, paired with baby Yukon gold potatoes. The addition of butter and garlic creates a rich, savory sauce that coats both the beef and potatoes, making each bite packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or for a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Let’s explore how this dish comes together, and what makes it so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are:

• Easy to Make: This is a hands-off recipe that requires minimal prep and allows the slow cooker to do all the work.

• Rich and Flavorful: The garlic and butter infuse the beef and potatoes with savory, mouth-watering flavor, while the slow cooking process ensures the beef is fall-apart tender.

• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: With a total cook time of 6 hours, you can prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal.

• Comforting and Hearty: Packed with protein and potatoes, it’s a filling meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

This dish uses simple ingredients that combine to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef Stew Meat: Beef stew meat is a great choice for slow cooking because it’s an economical cut of beef that becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking. It typically comes from tougher cuts like chuck or round, which break down and become juicy and flavorful when slow-cooked.

• Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: These small potatoes are tender and have a naturally buttery flavor that complements the garlic butter sauce. You don’t need to peel them or cut them, making them convenient for this recipe. You can also use baby red potatoes if you prefer.

• Butter: A key ingredient that adds richness and flavor to the beef and potatoes. The butter helps create a savory, silky sauce that ties the dish together.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic depth to the dish. You can use freshly peeled and chopped garlic or pre-minced garlic for convenience.

• Seasonings: A blend of onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper gives the beef bites a savory, well-rounded flavor.

• Optional Add-ins: You can add a little fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor, or add a dash of chili flakes for some heat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites is simple and straightforward, and the slow cooker does all the work. Here’s how to prepare this delicious meal:

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

To start, prepare your slow cooker by spraying the inside with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup easier once the meal is cooked.

1. Add the Beef Stew Meat: Place the beef stew meat into one half of the slow cooker. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just ensure the meat is spread out evenly.

2. Add the Potatoes: Place the baby Yukon gold potatoes into the other half of the slow cooker, keeping them separate from the meat for now.

Step 2: Season the Ingredients

Once the beef and potatoes are arranged, it’s time to add flavor.

1. Season the Beef and Potatoes: Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over the beef and potatoes. Season generously with black pepper.

2. Add Garlic: Sprinkle the chopped garlic over the beef and potatoes. The garlic will infuse both ingredients with savory flavor as they cook.

3. Add Butter: Top the beef and potatoes with pads of butter. The butter will melt and create a delicious, garlicky sauce throughout the cooking process.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Bites

Now that your slow cooker is prepped and seasoned, it’s time to let it work its magic.

1. Cover and Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily when tested with a fork. If you prefer a quicker cook time, you can cook on high for 4 hours, but low and slow gives the best results.

2. Check for Doneness: After 6 hours, check to ensure the beef is fully cooked and tender. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on your slow cooker’s heat settings.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the beef is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve!

1. Serve the Beef and Potatoes: Use a ladle to scoop the tender beef and buttery potatoes out of the slow cooker, ensuring you include some of the flavorful cooking juices. The sauce will be rich and garlicky, making the meal even more savory.

2. Optional Sides: For a complete meal, serve your garlic butter beef bites with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

• Cut the Beef Into Small, Even Pieces: When selecting beef stew meat, ensure it’s cut into even pieces. This helps it cook evenly and tenderize properly in the slow cooker.

• Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter plays an important role in creating the rich, savory sauce that coats both the beef and the potatoes. Be sure to use the recommended amount.

• Use a 6-Quart Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, as it gives enough space for the beef and potatoes to cook evenly. If using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to adjust the recipe size or cook in batches.

• Adjust for Personal Taste: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste. A little fresh thyme or rosemary can give the dish a nice, aromatic kick.

• Faster Cooking: If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute the beef stew meat with cubed sirloin steak. This will cook faster, and the meat will still be tender, but keep in mind that the flavor might not be as rich as when using stew meat.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the beef bites with roasted asparagus, carrots, or green beans to create a wholesome, balanced meal. The savory beef and buttery potatoes complement the freshness of roasted vegetables perfectly.

• Serve with Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a classic side that pairs well with this meal. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into the rich, garlicky sauce from the slow cooker.

• Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting meal, serve the beef bites over a bed of mashed potatoes or steamed rice. The sauce will soak into the potatoes or rice, adding even more flavor.

• On Its Own: If you’re looking for something light, you can serve the beef bites on their own, and the meal will still be hearty and satisfying.

How to Store Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, given how delicious this meal is!), you can store them for later. Here’s how:

1. Cool the Beef and Potatoes: Allow the beef and potatoes to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which could make the beef soggy when reheated.

2. Store in an Airtight Container: Place the leftover beef bites and potatoes in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Reheat: To reheat, place the beef and potatoes in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra butter or broth to help rehydrate the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the stovetop method will keep it more flavorful and prevent drying out.

Can I Freeze Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites?

Yes, this dish freezes very well. Here’s how to freeze it:

1. Cool Completely: Make sure the beef and potatoes are fully cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

2. Transfer to a Freezer-Safe Container: Place the beef and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

3. Freeze for Up to 3 Months: These beef bites can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes (whole)

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt

• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped

• 5 tablespoons butter (cut into 1 tablespoon pads)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Sides:

• Roasted vegetables (asparagus, carrots, green beans)

• Garlic bread

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the beef stew meat to one half of the slow cooker and the baby potatoes to the other half.

2. Season the Ingredients: Evenly sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper over the beef and potatoes. Toss gently, keeping the beef and potatoes separate.

3. Add Garlic and Butter: Sprinkle the chopped garlic over the ingredients, then top with pads of butter. The butter will melt and create a savory, garlicky sauce.

4. Cook the Beef Bites: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender. You can cook on high for 4 hours if you’re short on time.

5. Serve: Once the beef is tender, serve with the sauce from the slow cooker spooned over the top. Pair with roasted vegetables and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes:

• Use Beef Stew Meat: This cut is perfect for slow cooking and becomes tender and juicy when cooked low and slow.

• No Need to Sear: This recipe doesn’t require searing the beef before slow cooking. Just add the meat directly to the slow cooker.

• Optional Variations: You can add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra flavor or use baby red potatoes instead of Yukon gold potatoes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Makes 6 servings):

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food