INTRODUCTION
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a warm and easy meal you can make any night. The dish mixes tender beef, soft baby potatoes, and rich garlic butter. It cooks slow so flavors come out deep and full. This meal is simple to prepare and feels like home. If you like simple skillet or slow cooker dinners, you may also enjoy a creamy garlic shrimp dish for a change of flavor, such as this creamy garlic butter shrimp recipe.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it uses few ingredients and gives big flavor. The garlic and butter make a rich sauce that clings to the beef and potatoes. The herbs add warmth without being strong. You can make it in a slow cooker, so you set it and forget it. This is a great weeknight meal and it is easy to serve to guests. If you like one-pot comfort meals, try a simple chicken and rice dish like this one-pan honey butter garlic chicken and rice for another easy dinner idea.
HOW TO MAKE Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
This recipe cooks slowly so beef gets very tender. You first mix the beef with garlic, butter, and herbs. Then you add it to halved baby potatoes in the slow cooker. Pour in beef broth to keep things moist and to make a simple sauce. Cook on low until meat is soft and potatoes are done. The steps are short and clear. If you want a tight, savory pasta side, you might like a skillet pasta with garlic and cheese like this cheesy cajun garlic chicken rotini skillet.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Slow cooker (or crock pot)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Serving dish or plates
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 lb baby potatoes, halved, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 cup beef broth
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large bowl, combine the beef stew meat, garlic, melted butter, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stir until the beef is well coated.
- Add the halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef mixture over the potatoes and add the beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Serve this dish warm right from the slow cooker. Scoop the beef and potatoes onto plates and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Add a green side, like a simple salad or steamed green beans, for color and balance. For a fuller meal, serve with warm bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce. This dish also pairs well with plain rice or buttered noodles if you want extra starch.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Cool leftovers to room temperature within two hours. Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, divide into meal-size portions and use freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on low in a pan or in the microwave until hot all the way through. If you plan to reheat often, consider freezing the sauce and potatoes separately from the beef to keep texture better. For a sweet finish later, try a cookie recipe like these chewy maple cinnamon cookies with white chocolate to serve after dinner.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a bright, fresh side.
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
- Buttered egg noodles or rice for extra comfort and to stretch the meal.
- A simple slaw for a crunchy contrast.
VARIATIONS
- Swap beef for bite-size chicken thighs and reduce the low cook time to 4-5 hours.
- Add sliced carrots or pearl onions to the slow cooker for more veggies.
- Use fresh rosemary and thyme if you have them; chop fine and add the same amount.
- For a spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Make it in the oven: brown the beef in a skillet, then combine with potatoes and broth in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. You can use chuck roast cut into chunks or boneless short ribs. These cuts also get tender when cooked slowly.
Q: Can I cook this on the stove?
A: You can. Brown the beef in a heavy pot, add potatoes, broth, and cover. Simmer on low 1.5 to 2 hours until tender. Stir often and check liquid level.
Q: How do I keep the potatoes from getting mushy?
A: Use baby potatoes cut in half, and do not overcook. If you use larger potatoes, cut them into bigger pieces and test for doneness earlier.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes. Use the high pressure setting for about 35 minutes, then allow natural release for 10 minutes. Check that beef is tender and potatoes are cooked.
Q: Do I need to brown the beef first?
A: Browning adds flavor but is not required for this slow cooker recipe. If you brown, do it quickly in a skillet for better texture and rich taste.
Q: Can I reduce the butter?
A: You can use less butter. Reduce to 1/4 cup if you want a lighter dish, but the sauce will be less rich.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Mix the beef with garlic, melted butter, and herbs up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. When ready, add to the slow cooker with the potatoes and broth.
- Halve the baby potatoes ahead of time and store them in water in the fridge for up to 24 hours to keep them fresh. Drain before adding to the slow cooker.
- If you want to save time in the morning, combine everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and store in the fridge. In the morning, place the insert in the base and cook as directed.
- Prepare a side salad or steam vegetables ahead and store them separately. Reheat or toss the salad fresh just before serving.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe gives you a simple, tasty meal with little work. The slow cooking makes the beef melt in your mouth and the potatoes soak up the garlic butter sauce. It is easy to change, store, and make ahead. For more ideas on similar dishes, you can compare this recipe to a well-loved version like Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes – The Country Cook or try a different take with another easy guide such as Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes – Toni’s Recipes. Enjoy a warm, simple meal with little fuss.
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the beef stew meat, garlic, melted butter, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stir until the beef is well coated.
- Add the halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef mixture over the potatoes and add the beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Serve warm right from the slow cooker. Scoop the beef and potatoes onto plates and spoon some of the sauce over the top.