Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. I combine tender chunks of beef with creamy potatoes and a rich garlic butter sauce, then let it all slow cook to perfection. The result is a comforting, savory meal that fills the house with incredible aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this recipe is—minimal prep, maximum flavor. It’s a true dump-and-go slow cooker meal that requires hardly any attention after I’ve tossed in the ingredients. The beef comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the buttery garlic-infused sauce soaks into the potatoes perfectly. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that works just as well for family dinners as it does for meal prep.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces)

• Baby potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size

• Garlic, minced

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Onion powder

• Dried thyme

• Dried rosemary

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I start by heating a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and searing the beef bites just until browned. This step adds extra flavor, but I sometimes skip it when I’m short on time.

2. Then I transfer the seared beef into my slow cooker.

3. I add the halved baby potatoes right on top.

4. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, I melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

5. I pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.

6. I cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.

7. Right before serving, I give everything a gentle stir and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and then it cooks for 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high in the slow cooker.

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I sometimes add carrots or green beans to the slow cooker with the potatoes. I’ve also tried it with sweet potatoes, which give the dish a slightly sweeter twist. If I’m craving a bit of heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. And for a richer sauce, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese near the end of cooking.

storage/reheating

Leftovers store beautifully. I place any remaining beef bites and potatoes in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, I sometimes use chuck roast, stew meat, or even sirloin tips. As long as the beef is cut into bite-sized pieces and has some marbling, it’ll turn out tender after slow cooking.

Do I need to sear the beef first?

It’s optional. Searing adds flavor and helps lock in juices, but I skip it when I’m in a hurry and still get great results.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prep everything the night before and keep it in the fridge, then start the slow cooker in the morning for a no-stress dinner.

What kind of potatoes work best?

I like baby potatoes because they hold their shape well, but I’ve also used Yukon gold or red potatoes cut into chunks.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, I freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals later. I just make sure everything is fully cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something rich, easy, and satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, I end up with a dish that’s packed with flavor and always hits the spot. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for any night of the week.