Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings cozy comfort and mouthwatering flavors to your table, Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is an absolute winner. Tender cubes of beef simmered low and slow in a luscious garlic butter sauce mingle perfectly with tender, buttery baby potatoes. Every bite offers a delightful blend of savory, smoky, and herbal notes, making it a satisfying meal you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet play vital roles in building the rich, buttery depth and satisfying texture of this meal. Each element, from the aromatic herbs to the beef broth, works in harmony to create the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.

• 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and easy eating.
• 1 pound Baby potatoes: Halved to ensure they cook at the same rate as the beef and soak up flavorful juices.
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter: Melted to create a rich garlic butter sauce that coats every morsel.
• 3 cloves Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature pungent and aromatic punch.
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the savory beef.
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme: Brings a gentle herbaceous aroma that complements the beef perfectly.
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant, piney note that works beautifully with beef and potatoes.
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper: Provides a mild kick of heat and seasoning.
• 0.25 cup Beef broth: Keeps everything moist and adds extra depth to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil: Used for searing the beef, locking in juices and creating a flavorful crust.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces—this helps ensure that each piece cooks evenly and is easy to enjoy in just a few bites. Halve the baby potatoes so they soften at the same rate as the beef, making every forkful equally tender. This prep step sets the stage for perfect texture and flavor harmony.

Step 2: (Optional) Parboil the Potatoes

If you want your baby potatoes a little softer before slow cooking, parboiling them for a few minutes is a smart move. This step is optional but it helps the potatoes absorb more of that luscious garlic butter sauce during slow cooking, making them extra creamy and flavorful.

Step 3: Sear the Beef Bites

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Adding the beef bites in batches, sear until they are browned on all sides. This process locks in the juices and builds layers of flavor with a satisfying caramelized crust, a must for any great beef dish.

Step 4: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant sauce is the heart of the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, infusing every piece of beef and potato with rich depth and irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef bites into your slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the top, then add the beef broth. The broth adds moisture and flavor, ensuring the dish stays succulent during the long, gentle cooking process.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking tenderizes the beef until it’s meltingly soft and allows the potatoes to soak up all the fragrant, buttery sauce. The end result is a plate bursting with flavor and a texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 7: Let It Rest Then Serve

Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes once cooking is complete. This brief rest lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier since the juices have a chance to redistribute. Then, dish out your warm Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes and prepare for a delicious experience.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving to add a burst of fresh color and a mild herbal lift. A little lemon zest can also brighten the flavors beautifully if you want to add some zesty contrast to the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add freshness and a crunchy texture. If you prefer something heartier, creamy mashed cauliflower or buttery dinner rolls work perfectly for mopping up every last bit of that irresistible garlic butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd or special occasion, serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes in individual cast iron skillets or rustic wooden boards. Another fun idea is layering the beef and potatoes atop creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles for a comforting twist that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen with time, making leftovers just as delightful as the fresh batch.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Cool completely, then transfer the beef and potatoes along with some of the sauce to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if it looks dry. Warm slowly to preserve tenderness and flavor, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating throughout.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef instead of stew meat?

Absolutely! While beef stew meat is convenient and tender after slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes or even sirloin tips. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to get the perfect tenderness.

Do I have to use a slow cooker for this recipe?

You don’t have to! While a slow cooker makes the process super easy, you can replicate similar results by cooking the seared beef and potatoes in a covered Dutch oven in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for 2 to 3 hours.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes are a delicious alternative. Keep in mind they cook slightly faster and have a different texture and sweetness, which brings a lovely twist to the classic Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the beef broth you use is gluten-free. Always check labels to be certain. The ingredients are fresh and straightforward, making it a safe and flavorful option.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! Carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions would work wonderfully alongside the beef and potatoes. Just add them at the beginning of cooking so they become tender and soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend trying Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes enough for your next meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, packed with comforting flavors and simple ingredients that come together so effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites all around.

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