AMAZING SLOW COOKER GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES WITH POTATOES

Imagine tender, juicy beef bites, simmered to perfection in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, nestled amongst perfectly cooked potatoes – all effortlessly made in your slow cooker. This recipe for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes delivers comfort food that’s both incredibly flavorful and incredibly easy, I promise you’ll love it!

The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients

Beef Bites:

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Potatoes:

• 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes

Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Let’s Talk Beef: Choosing the Right Cut

Okay, friend, let’s get real about the beef. Chuck roast is my go-to for this recipe because it’s got great marbling (that’s the fat, which equals flavor!) and it becomes incredibly tender during the slow cooking process. But, if you’re in a pinch, you could also use sirloin – just be careful not to overcook it! And remember to cut the beef into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking, and nobody wants some pieces cooked perfectly while others are tough as leather. Trust me on this one.

Prepping Like a Pro: Easy Steps for Success

Searing the Beef:

1. First, pat those beef cubes dry with paper towels. This is KEY to getting a good sear. Excess moisture will just steam the beef instead of browning it.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t skimp on the seasoning!
4. Sear the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You want each piece to have enough space to brown properly. Sear on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds SO much flavor, so don’t skip it!

Building Flavor in the Slow Cooker:

1. Place the cubed potatoes into the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Nestle the seared beef bites on top of the potatoes.

Crafting the Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter!
3. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Slow Cooking Magic: Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
2. Cover 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.

Serving Suggestions: From Simple to Spectacular

Once the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are done, give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. I often add a pinch more salt or pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Now, let’s talk serving ideas. You can absolutely serve this as is – it’s a complete meal in one pot! But, if you want to jazz things up, here are a few suggestions:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Green Vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness.

Troubleshooting Time: Let’s Fix Those Kitchen Oops!

Okay, we’ve all been there. Things don’t always go according to plan in the kitchen. So, let’s address some common problems you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Beef is Tough: If your beef is still tough after the cooking time, it just needs more time. Don’t be afraid to let it cook longer, even an extra hour or two on low. The slow cooker works its magic over time.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Sauce is Too Thick: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super adaptable. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Throw in some carrots, celery, or mushrooms along with the potatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil.
• Swap the Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon gold potatoes for a sweeter flavor.

Speaking of variations, if you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Garlic Butter Pork Chops. It’s another super easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. For a pasta-based option, check out Garlic Beef Pasta. If you are a fan of slow cooker recipes, you have to try my Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Or on a cold night, nothing beats a hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew or maybe you want to try this Beef Stew. If you are looking for a similar recipe in flavor, maybe my Garlic Butter Beef Potatoes recipe is the answer.

Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Leftovers

Leftovers of these Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are a gift! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them until heated through, or reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. You can also reheat them in the slow cooker on low.

Final Thoughts: Your Kitchen Confidence Booster

There you have it! A super easy, super flavorful recipe for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes that’s sure to become a family favorite. I know it seems simple, but it’s these kinds of comfort food classics that really hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, grab your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and effortless meal. You’ve got this!