Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes

Garlic butter beef bites with potatoes is pure comfort food with a serious wow factor. This hearty one-pot meal pleases a crowd yet could not be simpler to master. Think buttery tender beef golden potatoes and a silky sauce made irresistible with plenty of garlic and herbs. My family loves this dish for busy weekends or gatherings and it is the first meal that disappears from the table at potlucks.

I first made this on a snowy weekend when we had family visiting from out of town. Everyone went back for seconds and even the picky kids asked for the recipe to take home.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Beef stew meat: Tender beef chunks bring richness Opt for well-marbled pieces from the butcher if possible
• Baby potatoes: Their creamy texture and size make them ideal for stews Look for smooth skins and no sprouts
• Unsalted butter: This forms the backbone of the garlic butter sauce Choose high-quality dairy for best flavor
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives deep savory notes Pick firm cloves that are free from green sprouts
• Onion powder: Adds sweet earthy depth to round out flavors
• Smoked paprika: Infuses warmth and smokiness Spanish or Hungarian varieties are both excellent
• Dried thyme: Lends aroma and a woodsy touch Rub thyme between your palms before adding to release oils
• Dried rosemary: Offers a piney fragrant quality Whole dried rosemary will hold up well to long cooking
• Salt and black pepper: For overall seasoning Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for peak flavor
• Beef broth: Keeps the dish juicy and moist Look for low sodium varieties or make your own
• Olive oil: For searing the beef Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the meat

How to Make It

Gather and Prep Ingredients:

Carefully cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces ensuring even size for uniform cooking Halve the baby potatoes and set aside If desired wash and peel garlic cloves before mincing

Parboil the Potatoes:

Place halved baby potatoes in a saucepan of salted water Bring just to a simmer and cook two to four minutes until they are slightly softened but not fully cooked This step is optional but ensures perfectly tender potatoes in the finished dish

Sear the Beef Bites:

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high flame Add olive oil and when shimmering add the beef bites in batches Avoid overcrowding Sear until each piece forms a rich golden crust on all sides This may take several batches and sets the foundation for the final flavor

Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce:

Combine the melted butter with minced garlic onion powder smoked paprika dried thyme dried rosemary salt and black pepper in a small bowl Stir until the dried herbs are hydrated and the mixture is fragrant

Layer in the Slow Cooker:

Spread the parboiled potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker Place the seared beef bites on top then pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over all ingredients Drizzle in the beef broth to ensure a moist braise

Slow Cook Until Tender:

Cover the slow cooker and set on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours Check halfway through and stir gently if desired The beef is done when it is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft

Rest and Serve:

Remove lid and allow the beef bites and potatoes to rest for ten minutes before serving This allows the juices to redistribute and results in ultra juicy bites

My favorite part is always the golden crisp bits of potato on the edges of the slow cooker. My oldest loves to sprinkle a little extra rosemary and pretend it is a fancy feast. We once made this recipe for a neighbor’s birthday and the aroma was so welcoming that even her dog tried to sneak a taste.

Flavor Boosters

Storage tips include refrigerating leftovers for up to four days and reheating gently with a splash of broth. The dish also freezes wonderfully Just cool completely and store in freezer bags for up to two months. Ingredient substitutions such as using chuck roast or Yukon gold potatoes work well. Fresh chopped herbs add a burst of color if you have them on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the beef bites and potatoes with a crisp green salad or garlicky green beans. Leftovers are wonderful tucked into a sandwich roll or served with eggs for a hearty breakfast.

Creative Twists

Add carrots or parsnips in autumn to stretch the meal Try new potatoes and fresh spring herbs in early summer Swap in root vegetables like rutabaga for a cozy winter change For freezer meal conversion layer the raw beef bites and potatoes in a freezer-safe bag and pour over the garlic butter sauce. Freeze flat and thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed.

This meal is just as good for a holiday table as it is for an easy weeknight dinner and there is something about the aroma of garlic butter and beef that brings everyone together.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I ensure the beef stays tender?

Use beef stew meat and cook it low and slow in the slow cooker. Avoid overcooking on high heat to get melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

→ Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, simply cut regular potatoes into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Adjust cooking time if needed, as larger pieces may require longer.

→ What is the best way to sear the beef?

Pat the beef dry before searing and use a hot skillet with olive oil. Sear in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, ensuring each piece develops a brown crust.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can sear the beef and prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead. Assemble everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight before cooking the next day.

→ How do I add extra flavor to the dish?

For added flavor, try including a splash of Worcestershire sauce or finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving.