Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something truly magical about slow-cooked meals. The way flavors deepen, the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the aroma fills your kitchen—it’s pure comfort food at its finest. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a hearty, satisfying dish that brings warmth to the table with minimal effort.

Perfect for cozy family dinners, busy weeknights, or meal prep, this dish features succulent beef bites, buttery potatoes, and a rich garlic-infused sauce that seeps into every delicious bite. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something hearty, this slow-cooked delight delivers big flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set it and Forget it: The slow cooker does all the work, making this a perfect hands-off meal.
Rich, Savory Flavors: The garlic butter sauce elevates the tender beef and creamy potatoes to new heights.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: A few pantry staples transform into an incredibly comforting dish.
Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef and Potatoes:

2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 ½ lbs baby potatoes (halved)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for thickening)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
If your beef isn’t pre-cut, start by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. Halve the baby potatoes so they can soak up all that delicious garlic butter flavor.

Step 2: Season the Beef
In a large bowl, toss the beef bites with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. This dry seasoning mix will create a rich, flavorful base for your dish.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Add the seasoned beef bites and halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker. Pour in the melted butter, minced garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork, while the potatoes will be perfectly soft.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy the rich, buttery, garlicky goodness!

Helpful Tips

Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Stew meat is great, but chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces works wonders for extra tenderness.
Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter adds richness and depth, balancing the bold flavors of garlic and spices.
Use Baby Potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up well in the slow cooker without turning mushy.
Add Extra Veggies: Toss in carrots, mushrooms, or green beans for added nutrition and variety.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Yield: 4-6 servings

Notes

For a deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic in the oven before adding it to the slow cooker.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to keep everything moist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

Calories: 420
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 750mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then add all ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes with a natural release.

What can I serve with this dish?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.

Related Recipes

If you loved this dish, try these other hearty slow-cooker favorites:

Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Beef and Mushroom Pie

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food—tender beef, creamy potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce that makes every bite irresistible. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy days when you need a home-cooked meal without the hassle. Enjoy every delicious bite! 🍽️✨