Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

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

Hey there, friends! Benjamin here, and I’m beyond excited to share one of my family’s absolute favorite weeknight dinners: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. Trust me, this one is a game-changer! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, all swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Sound good? It is good – really good.

Remember that time I was telling you about my grandmother’s Texas-style barbecue? This recipe brings back that same feeling of comfort and joy, but without all the fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can spend more time with your loved ones (and maybe even sneak in a little relaxation!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless: Seriously, dump everything in the slow cooker and walk away!
• Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce is to die for.
• One-Pot Wonder: Dinner and sides all in one go. Less cleanup = happy cook!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters will devour this. Adams and Jana never complain when I make this!
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Set it in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

The Magic Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• Beef Bites: Use a good cut of beef for those perfectly tender beef bites. (More on that below!)
• Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold, but Russets work great too.
• Garlic: Lots of it! We’re making garlic butter, after all.
• Butter: Unsalted is best, so you can control the saltiness.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Because everything’s better with a little Italian flair.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course!
• Optional: Fresh parsley, for garnish. A little pop of green makes everything look even more appetizing.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes: Wash and chop your potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef bites in a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This gives them a nice crust and extra flavor. Don’t use too much oil, the natural fat in the beef gives you a nice crust alone!
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the seared beef bites.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for a minute or two until fragrant (but be careful not to burn the garlic!). Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef and potatoes.
5. Add the Broth: Pour the beef broth over everything, making sure the potatoes are partially submerged.
6. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
7. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked beef can become dry. Check for tenderness around the suggested cook times.
• Sear for Extra Flavor: Yes, it’s an extra step, but searing the beef really enhances the flavor.
• Adjust Garlic to Your Taste: Love garlic? Add more! Not a huge fan? Reduce the amount slightly.
• Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This meal is delicious all on its own, but here are a few side dishes to round out the meal:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Steamed Broccoli: A healthy and easy side.
• Crusty Bread: To soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce!

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or simmer in a saucepan over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is best for slow cooker beef bites?

Chuck roast is an excellent choice for slow cooker beef bites. It has good marbling, which helps keep the beef tender and flavorful during the long cooking process. Sirloin or round roast can also work, but they might be a bit less tender.

Can I cook potatoes with beef in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Potatoes are perfect for slow cooking with beef. They soak up the flavors of the sauce and become deliciously tender. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.

How long does it take to cook beef in a slow cooker?

The cooking time depends on the cut of beef and the slow cooker setting. Generally, on low heat, it takes 6-8 hours for beef bites to become very tender. On high heat, it can take 3-4 hours. Always check for tenderness with a fork before serving.

Can I make garlic butter beef bites without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop or oven. For the stovetop, sear the beef bites, then simmer them with the potatoes and garlic butter sauce in a Dutch oven until tender. For the oven, bake the ingredients in a covered Dutch oven at 325°F (160°C) until the beef is tender. The times can vary depending on those scenarios as well.

What sides go well with garlic butter beef and potatoes?

Garlic butter beef and potatoes pair well with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad provides a nice contrast, while steamed or roasted vegetables add extra nutrients. Some crusty bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce!

There you have it! Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes – an easy recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family dinner favorite. This is a true comfort food one-pot meal! I can’t wait for you to try it. Let me know what you think in the comments below!