Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful beef bites with perfectly cooked potatoes, all infused with a rich garlic butter sauce. This one-pot meal is a lifesaver for busy days, as it requires minimal preparation and allows the slow cooker to do all the work. The result is a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dish perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings.

The history of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes stems from the tradition of slow-cooked meals that deliver robust flavors and tender textures. Slow cooking has been a staple in culinary practices worldwide for centuries, with methods such as braising and stewing used to maximize flavor from tougher cuts of meat. Garlic butter, a timeless flavor combination, adds richness and depth to the dish. The pairing of beef and potatoes has long been a comfort food classic in many cultures, making this slow-cooked version a modern adaptation of a beloved tradition.

Ingredients Breakdown

1. Beef Chuck or Stew Meat: Known for its marbling, this cut becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
2. Potatoes: Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold varieties hold their shape well and soak up the garlic butter flavor.
3. Garlic: Fresh minced garlic imparts a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the beef.
4. Butter: Adds richness and creates the signature garlic butter sauce.
5. Beef Broth: Enhances the dish’s depth and prevents it from drying out.
6. Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika provides a well-rounded flavor profile.
7. Olive Oil: Used to sear the beef before slow cooking for added flavor.
8. Parsley: Adds freshness and color as a garnish.
9. Optional Ingredients: Onions, carrots, or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Wash the potatoes and cut any large ones into halves or quarters. Mince the garlic and set aside.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Potatoes: Arrange the potatoes around and over the beef in the slow cooker.
4. Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.
6. Finish and Serve: Before serving, stir the beef and potatoes gently to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Dish

• Searing the beef before slow cooking adds a layer of flavor, but it can be skipped if you’re short on time.
• Use waxy potatoes like baby red or gold potatoes for the best texture.
• Avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature.
• For a thicker sauce, remove some of the liquid at the end of cooking and reduce it on the stovetop.

Variations and Customizations

• Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, or green beans for a more complete meal.
• Swap beef for chicken thighs or pork shoulder for a different protein option.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness.
• Enhance the garlic butter sauce with a splash of white wine or lemon juice for added complexity.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a nutrient-dense dish, providing protein from the beef and essential vitamins from the potatoes. The use of butter and oil adds richness but also increases the fat content. To lighten the dish, reduce the butter or replace it with olive oil. Adding more vegetables boosts fiber and nutrient levels, making the meal more balanced.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen beef? While fresh beef is recommended for better searing, you can use frozen beef. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
2. What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can make this recipe in a Dutch oven or a large pot. Simmer on low heat on the stovetop or bake in the oven at 325°F for 2-3 hours.
3. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this dish reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce? Remove some of the cooking liquid and mix it with a slurry of cornstarch and water, then return it to the slow cooker and let it thicken.
   

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a flavorful, tender dish featuring juicy beef and buttery potatoes infused with rich garlic sauce. A perfect one-pot comfort meal, it’s easy to prepare and versatile for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil add more if needed
• 1 small sweet onion thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
• 1 cup unsalted beef stock
• 1- ounce packet au jus gravy mix
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter thinly sliced

Instructions

 

• Place 3 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces, in a large bowl. Season with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is very hot, sear the steak pieces in batches, browning them on all sides to develop color but not cooking them through. Add more oil to the skillet if needed between batches.
• Transfer the seared steak to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced, and 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced. Stir gently to combine.
• Pour 1 cup of unsalted beef stock over the steak mixture. Evenly sprinkle a 1-ounce packet of au jus gravy mix over the top. Lay 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, thinly sliced, on top of the mixture.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. If possible, stir the mixture once every hour to ensure even cooking.
• Serve the tender beef bites with your choice of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Flat iron steak is an excellent, budget-friendly alternative.
This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours; cooking it slowly will yield more tender steak bites.
Browning the meat before cooking isn’t necessary but enhances both color and flavor.