Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy beef bites, infused with rich garlic butter flavor, nestled amongst perfectly cooked, creamy potatoes. Sounds dreamy, right? What if I told you this culinary masterpiece could be yours with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker? Get ready to transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal with our Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes – it’s seriously a game-changer!
Gathering Your Culinary Arsenal (Ingredients)

Alright, friend, let’s gather everything we need to make this slow cooker magic happen. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list!
For the Beef Bites:
- Beef Chuck Roast: 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. Trust me, the chuck roast is the way to go for ultimate tenderness!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing. This step is optional, but it adds amazing flavor.
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is always best!
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
For the Garlic Butter Potatoes:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 pounds, peeled and cubed. These hold their shape beautifully!
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted. Unsalted is preferable, so you can control the saltiness.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Yes, more garlic! We can’t get enough.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish. Adds a pop of freshness and color.
- Salt: To taste.
- Black Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step to Slow Cooker Bliss
Now for the fun part! Don’t be intimidated – this is incredibly easy, and I’m here to guide you through every step.
Preparing the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
- If you want that extra layer of flavor, sear the beef cubes. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan! This helps develop a beautiful crust.
- Transfer the seared beef (or the unseared beef, if you skipped the searing) to your SLOW COOKER.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the beef.
- Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the beef.
Adding the Potatoes:
- In a separate bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Pour the potato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
Slow Cooking to Perfection:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the potatoes should be cooked through.
Finishing Touches:
- Once the beef and potatoes are cooked, give everything a gentle stir.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The Secret Ingredient: Flavor Boosters!
Want to take your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite additions and tweaks!
- Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the potatoes for an earthy flavor.
- Onions: Dice an onion and add it to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cream Cheese: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess (trust me on this one!).
- Bacon: Crumbled bacon sprinkled on top before serving adds a salty, smoky crunch.
Choosing the Right Beef: Why Chuck Roast Rules
When it comes to slow cooking beef, chuck roast is king! It’s a tougher cut of meat with a lot of connective tissue, which breaks down during the long, slow cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef bites. Other cuts might work, but they won’t deliver the same melt-in-your-mouth experience. Remember, low and slow is the name of the game!
Potato Power: Selecting the Perfect Spud
I’m a huge fan of Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe because they hold their shape well and have a naturally buttery flavor. However, you can certainly experiment with other types of potatoes. Red potatoes are another good option, as they also tend to stay firm during cooking. Russet potatoes will work in a pinch, but they can become a bit mushy if overcooked. So, keep an eye on them!
Make It a Meal: Serving Suggestions
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes are a complete meal in themselves, but if you want to round things out, here are a few serving suggestions:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and potatoes.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious additions.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce!
Troubleshooting: Avoiding Common Slow Cooker Pitfalls
Slow cookers are generally pretty foolproof, but here are a few common issues and how to avoid them:
- Dry Beef: Make sure you have enough liquid in the slow cooker. If the beef looks dry, add a little more beef broth. Also, avoid opening the lid too often, as this releases heat and moisture.
- Mushy Potatoes: Don’t overcook the potatoes! Check them periodically during the last hour of cooking.
- Bland Flavor: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or garlic!
Variations to Spice Things Up!
Feeling adventurous? Let’s explore some exciting variations on this classic recipe:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
- Italian Flair: Use Italian seasoning instead of oregano and thyme, and add a can of diced tomatoes for an Italian twist. You could even throw in some Italian sausage!
More Slow Cooker Inspiration!
If you’re as obsessed with slow cooking as I am, you’ll love these other delicious recipes:
- Craving a hearty soup? Try this CROCK POT POTATO SOUP. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!
- For a flavorful and easy weeknight meal, you can’t go wrong with GARLIC PARMESAN PORK.
- If you love beef as much as I do, then you HAVE to try GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES on their own.
- Also, BEEF MANHATTAN is a classic!
- Last but not least, try making STUFFED PEPPERS in the slow cooker for an easier and delicious version.
There you have it – your ultimate guide to making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes! With a little bit of prep and a whole lot of patience (while the slow cooker works its magic!), you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable dish!
Why is chuck roast recommended for the beef in this slow cooker recipe?
Chuck roast is recommended because it’s a tougher cut of meat with a lot of connective tissue. The slow cooking process breaks down this tissue, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef bites.
What type of potatoes are best to use for this recipe, and why?
Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended because they hold their shape well during slow cooking and have a naturally buttery flavor. Red potatoes are a good alternative, but Russet potatoes may become mushy if overcooked.
What are some ways to add extra flavor or variations to the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes?
You can add sliced mushrooms or diced onions for an earthy flavor. For heat, add red pepper flakes. For extra creaminess, stir in cream cheese at the end. Crumbled bacon provides a salty, smoky crunch. Other variations include a Mediterranean twist with Kalamata olives and feta, or an Italian flair with Italian seasoning and diced tomatoes.
What can I do if my beef is dry after slow cooking?
If the beef appears dry, add more beef broth to the slow cooker. Also, avoid opening the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and moisture.

Ultimate Garlic Butter Beef and Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If desired, sear the beef cubes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Transfer the seared (or unseared) beef to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the beef.
- Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the beef.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Pour the potato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the potatoes should be cooked through.
- Once the beef and potatoes are cooked, give everything a gentle stir.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.