If you’re craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, then this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe is your new best friend. Featuring 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes, this dish combines tender beef, creamy butter, fragrant garlic, and tender potatoes all slow-cooked to perfection. The garlic butter sauce seeps into every bite, making each spoonful a symphony of bold, cozy flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this irresistible dish, you’ll only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, from the juicy beef stew meat to the fresh herbs that add an aromatic touch. These ingredients come together easily to deliver a hearty meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes: The star of the dish, perfectly sized for quick searing and tender results after slow cooking.
1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large: They soak up the buttery, garlicky sauce while staying fluffy inside.
4 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture that coats each ingredient beautifully.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.
1/2 cup beef broth: Provides depth and savory complexity to the sauce.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings a tangy, umami kick that perfectly complements the beef.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes that balance out the richness.
1 tsp dried rosemary: Imparts a piney, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the potatoes.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to season the beef and enhance all the flavors.
2 tbsp olive oil: Needed to get that beautiful golden sear on the beef cubes.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a bright, fresh finish to each serving.

How to Make 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes

Step 1: Searing the Beef

Start by warming 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes generously with salt and pepper. In batches, sear the beef for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until every cube develops that irresistible deep brown crust. This step locks in flavor and helps keep the beef tender and juicy during slow cooking. Once browned, transfer the beef cubes to your slow cooker and get ready for the next flavorful phase.

Step 2: Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it releases its heavenly aroma. This little step transforms simple garlic into a rich, fragrant base that will give your dish its signature garlicky pop. Don’t rush it — the scent is your cue that it’s time to move forward.

Step 3: Mixing in the Broth and Herbs

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring as you scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. These bits are pure gold that will elevate your sauce with savory depth. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary, letting their herbal fragrance meld with the garlic butter. Pour this luscious sauce right over your 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes in the slow cooker for full coverage of flavor.

Step 4: Adding the Potatoes

Now, add your halved baby potatoes directly into the slow cooker with the beef and sauce. Toss everything gently with a spoon to coat the potatoes with that buttery, garlicky goodness. These potatoes will soak up the sauce during cooking, transforming into soft, flavorful bites that perfectly complement the beef.

Step 5: Finishing Touches Before Cooking

Place the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter on top of the beef and potatoes. This ensures the dish remains richly buttery when ready to serve. Seal your slow cooker with the lid and select low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking process is key to making your 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes insanely tender.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Once cooking is complete, sample the dish and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. This final seasoning tweak brings unsurpassed balance and fullness. Then it’s time to plate up and enjoy!

How to Serve 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top gives this hearty dish a beautiful burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich garlic butter sauce. Feel free to add a pinch of cracked black pepper for a final rustic touch.

Side Dishes

This beef and potato wonder is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or a simple green salad elevates the meal to complete comfort food status. The bread is perfect for dipping into the luscious sauce, while a crisp salad adds refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special family meals, serve the garlic butter beef bites over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a sophisticated look. You can even use the beef and potatoes as a filling for warm pita pockets with a drizzle of sour cream or tzatziki for a fusion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes along with potatoes and sauce into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, label, and freeze for up to three months. To prevent freezer burn, be sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring each time to warm evenly without drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?

It’s best to use fresh beef for the most tender and flavorful results with your 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes. However, if using frozen beef, be sure to thaw it fully in the refrigerator or in cold water before searing. Keep in mind that cooking times may need slight adjustment.

What Cut of Beef Works Best for Stew Meat?

Look for beef chuck or round labeled as stew meat, as these cuts become wonderfully tender with slow cooking. The 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes you use should ideally come from these flavorful, well-marbled cuts.

Can I Make This in an Instant Pot Instead of a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and prepare the garlic butter sauce as instructed, then use the sauté mode on your Instant Pot. Add everything in and cook under high pressure for about 35 minutes, followed by a natural release to achieve deliciously tender results.

How Can I Make the Dish Less Rich?

Try reducing the butter to 2 tablespoons instead of 4, or swap half the butter for olive oil. Additionally, adding more potatoes or even carrots can lighten up the richness while still keeping the dish hearty.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?

Yes! Carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions make fantastic additions. Add them along with the potatoes in the slow cooker so they absorb all the garlicky, buttery flavor alongside the 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe is the kind of meal that brings people together. Using 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes lets you create a dish that’s hearty, full of comforting garlic-butter flavor, and so simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will become your go-to for effortless, slow-cooked goodness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 7-8 hours (mostly hands-off time)
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender seared beef cubes slow-cooked with baby potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with herbs. This easy recipe allows you to set it and forget it, resulting in a hearty dish perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Instructions

Searing the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. In batches, sear the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Transfer browned beef to slow cooker.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to bring out the garlic flavor.
Mixing in the Broth: Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits from the skillet bottom. Stir in dried thyme and rosemary. Pour this sauce over beef in slow cooker.
Adding the Potatoes: Add halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker and toss to combine with the beef and sauce evenly.
Finishing Touches: Place the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter on top of the beef and potatoes for added richness.
Cooking: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper as needed for perfect flavor.
Garnishing and Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the hearty, savory meal.

Notes

For best results, use fresh beef. If using frozen beef, thaw fully before searing.
Adjust cooking times if using frozen beef or larger potato pieces.
Feel free to swap baby potatoes with fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes.
Garnish with parsley or fresh herbs of your choice for added freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking, Searing
Cuisine: American