Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

There’s something deeply comforting about walking into a kitchen filled with the warm, savory aroma of beef slow-cooking in garlic butter. I remember the first time I made this dish on a cold weekday evening after a long day—it felt like the kitchen hugged me back. I tossed everything into my slow cooker during a lunch break, and by dinner time, the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender and the potatoes perfectly buttery. It was effortless, filling, and tasted like I’d been cooking for hours, even though I barely had to lift a finger.

If you’re new to cooking or just looking for a no-fuss, hearty dinner, this easy sheet pan dinner alternative checks all the boxes. It’s simple, requires very little hands-on time, and is packed with flavor. Plus, it leans into whole ingredients, offering a delicious path to more quick and healthy meals without sacrificing taste.

Why This Recipe is Special

What makes this lemon herb chicken recipe’s beefy cousin shine is the combination of slow cooking and everyday pantry staples. It uses affordable stew meat and baby potatoes, transforming them into a tender, savory, and comforting meal that feels far more indulgent than it actually is. The garlic and butter duo adds richness and aroma, while the hands-off approach makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

This dish is especially helpful for beginner cooks because it’s hard to mess up. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and you’ll come out of it with a dish that tastes like you’ve mastered the art of braising—without ever turning on your oven.

Ingredients and Preparation

• Beef Stew Meat: This is the heart of the dish. While it’s a tougher cut, slow cooking breaks it down until it’s fall-apart tender. It’s also budget-friendly and widely available.
• Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: These small, creamy potatoes hold their shape and soak up the garlic butter flavor. You can also use baby red potatoes or even fingerlings if that’s what you have.
• Butter: Butter not only adds a rich, velvety flavor but also helps tenderize the beef while coating the potatoes in luxurious goodness. Bonus: it’s a good source of vitamin A.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic delivers a punch of aroma and depth. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic works too.
• Seasonings: A blend of seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper gives this dish a well-rounded, savory profile without needing fresh herbs or spices.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Swap out butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet contrast.
• Add chopped onions or mushrooms if you want more veggies.
• Try Italian seasoning or paprika for a flavor twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray. This helps prevent any sticking and makes cleanup easier. Place the beef stew meat on one half of the slow cooker and the baby potatoes on the other half. Keep them separate for now.

Step 2 Sprinkle the seasonings and chopped garlic evenly over both the beef and potatoes. Use a spoon or your hands to gently toss each half separately to ensure they’re well coated. Then, place pads of butter evenly over the top, spreading them between both the beef and the potatoes.

Step 3 Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6–8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender enough to break apart with a fork and the potatoes are soft but not mushy.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• If the potatoes are overcooked, try reducing the cooking time by an hour next time or switching to larger potato chunks.
• If the beef is browning too quickly on the edges, stir it halfway through cooking or add a small splash of broth.
• Don’t worry about searing the meat beforehand—this recipe is designed for simplicity.
• To save time in the morning, prep everything the night before and store it in a sealed container. In the morning, just dump it all in the slow cooker.
• No slow cooker? Use a Dutch oven and cook it at 300°F for 3–4 hours instead.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your garlic butter beef bites with:

• A crisp wilted kale salad for a burst of green and texture.
• Roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots to balance the richness.
• Warm garlic bread for soaking up all the delicious butter sauce.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. This dish also freezes well—just cool it completely before sealing in a freezer-safe bag.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for your family or just feeding yourself after a long day, this easy sheet pan dinner alternative brings all the comfort with none of the hassle. It’s a forgiving, flavorful recipe that even the most novice cook can master—and enjoy. If you give these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop your questions, tweaks, or praises in the comments and let’s cook better, together.

FAQ About Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

More Relevant Recipes

• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
• Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes
• Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes

Print