crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, fuss-free meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, you’re going to love these crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes. This dish is a perfect blend of tender, savory beef stew meat and silky baby Yukon gold potatoes, all infused with rich butter and aromatic garlic. Cooking low and slow in the crockpot means the flavors meld beautifully, giving you a comforting dinner without standing over the stove. It’s truly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your hands on just a few simple, high-quality ingredients is the key here. Each one plays an important role, contributing layers of flavor and texture that make this dish shine without any complicated prep.

• 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose good-quality, well-marbled beef for tender, flavorful bites that cook beautifully in the crockpot.
• 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These small potatoes hold up well during slow cooking and add a buttery, creamy texture.
• 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the richness and layers the garlic flavor alongside the fresh garlic.
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Brings a balanced seasoning with a hint of herbs and spices to marry all the elements together.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic gives that punch of fragrant garlic goodness that makes the dish unforgettable.
• 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads: Butter melts slowly to coat every bite in luscious buttery richness that elevates the flavors.

How to Make crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes

Step 1: Arrange the Beef and Potatoes

Start by placing the beef stew meat on one half of your crockpot and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other half. Keeping them separated initially helps ensure they both cook properly and absorb the flavors evenly.

Step 2: Season Everything Evenly

Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both the beef and the potatoes. This simple seasoning mix forms the backbone of the dish, giving a balanced and savory flavor profile.

Step 3: Toss the Meat with Seasoning

Gently toss the beef bits to coat them well with the seasoning. This step is key to ensuring every bite of beef is flavorful and juicy. Just be careful to keep the meat and potatoes separated as you do this, so the flavors develop perfectly.

Step 4: Add Fresh Garlic

Scatter the chopped garlic evenly on top of both the meat and the potatoes. Fresh garlic cooks down and infuses the dish with that irresistible aroma and subtle heat, giving it character and warmth.

Step 5: Dot with Butter Pads

Place the butter in small pads across the entire crockpot. As the slow cooker heats, the butter melts and blends with the meat juices, turning into an unbelievably delicious garlic butter sauce that coats everything.

Step 6: Cook Slowly on Low

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method melts the collagen in the meat for tender bites and allows the potatoes to absorb all the garlicky, buttery goodness without becoming mushy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

When cooking is complete, scoop some of the buttery sauce from the bottom and spoon it over the beef and potatoes for added richness. Serve hot and prepare for a meal that feels effortlessly special.

How to Serve crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme can elevate the presentation and add a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness beautifully. You might also enjoy a little grated Parmesan to add a subtle salty finish.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans adds a refreshing contrast that lightens the meal. A crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic for soaking up the savory garlic butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist, or alongside a simple pilaf to add texture and variety. For a rustic touch, serve it family-style right from the crockpot on the dining table, letting everyone dig in and savor the comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy next-day meal that tastes just as comforting.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave some headspace for expansion. When you want a quick, satisfying dinner, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth. Adding a small splash of beef broth or water can help revive the sauce if it thickens too much after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While baby Yukon golds are ideal for their buttery texture and size, red potatoes or fingerlings will work as well. Just keep an eye on cooking time to ensure they stay tender but not mushy.

Is it possible to make this dish without butter?

You could substitute butter with olive oil or a non-dairy margarine, but keep in mind that some of the rich, silky flavor will be different. The butter truly helps create the signature garlicky sauce that makes this dish so special.

Can I add vegetables to the crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes?

Yes! Carrots, pearl onions, or mushrooms are great additions that can cook alongside the beef and potatoes. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure everything cooks evenly.

How do I ensure the beef is tender and not tough?

The low and slow cooking in the crockpot is key. Using stew meat with some marbling and cooking it on low for the full 6 hours will break down connective tissue, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef bites.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Definitely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the increased volume without overcrowding. Cooking time will remain roughly the same, but it’s always good to check doneness as crockpot models can vary.

Final Thoughts

This crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes recipe is one of those delightful dishes that turns everyday ingredients into a memorable meal. Its simplicity is what makes it so wonderful — a few pantry staples and a slow cooker do all the hard work, delivering incredible flavor and tender textures. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find it as comforting and satisfying as I do. You’re going to love how it fills your home with warmth and your belly with happiness!

Print