Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food mash-up: juicy, tender morsels of beef mingling with golden, buttery baby potatoes all drenched in a garlicky, aromatic sauce. This cozy, slow-cooked dish packs loads of flavor and offers a beautiful mix of textures—imagine melt-in-your-mouth beef, fluffy potatoes, and a sauce you’ll want to mop up every last drop of. It’s the kind of recipe that will have your kitchen smelling amazing, fill your dinner table with delight, and make it hard to resist grabbing seconds.

Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something vital to the table, whether it’s the richness of the beef, the earthiness of the potatoes, or the burst of flavor from the seasonings. Gather these pantry staples and a few fresh elements and you’re halfway to a show-stopping meal.

Beef stew meat (1.5 pounds): Choose well-marbled chunks for ultimate tenderness and rich flavor.
Baby potatoes (1 pound): Halved so they cook evenly and soak up all the buttery goodness.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Go for real butter to craft that silky, decadent garlic butter sauce.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Fresh garlic is a must for a punchy, aromatic note.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and rounds out the flavor profile.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Imparts a smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with beef.
Dried thyme (0.5 teaspoon): Brings a fresh, herby aroma without overpowering the dish.
Dried rosemary (0.5 teaspoon): A little goes a long way for fragrance and sophistication.
Salt (0.5 teaspoon, or to taste): Essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish.
Black pepper (0.25 teaspoon): Just enough for a gentle kick and extra dimension.
Beef broth (0.25 cup): Keeps everything moist during slow cooking and deepens flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for achieving a golden-brown sear on the beef bites.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and doing a little quick prep. Slice the beef into bite-sized pieces for maximum tenderness, and halve the baby potatoes so they cook through evenly and absorb more flavor. Getting everything ready beforehand makes the rest of the cooking effortless and smooth.

Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes (Optional but Worth It!)

If you have a few extra minutes, simmer the halved potatoes in boiling water for a few minutes just to soften them slightly. This helps ensure the potatoes end up perfectly fluffy and not underdone, especially if your slow cooker runs cool. Drain and set them aside.

Step 3: Sear the Beef Bites

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef pieces in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Sear on all sides until they have a gorgeous golden crust—this quick step locks in flavor and develops that hearty, crave-worthy taste in your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.

Step 4: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the beef is searing, melt the butter and mix it with the minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. When combined, it becomes a fragrant, flavor-packed sauce that is the heart of this recipe and will transform the dish from “good” to “can’t-stop-eating.”

Step 5: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place your prepped potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the seared beef. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over everything, and pour in the beef broth. The layers let the flavors soak into every potato and beef chunk. Just the smell alone at this point is enough to make your mouth water!

Step 6: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours—just let the magic happen. The beef becomes fall-apart tender, the potatoes get creamy, and the garlic butter sauce seeps into every bite. Your patience will be rewarded!

Step 7: Rest, Serve, and Enjoy

Once the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are done, let them rest for 10 minutes in the slow cooker so the juices settle. This keeps every forkful moist and flavorful. Use a slotted spoon to serve so you can spoon just the right amount of buttery sauce over the top.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Garnishes

For a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes just before serving. A pinch of flaky sea salt or a squeeze of lemon can add a final bright, fresh touch. These simple garnishes make your dish look as irresistible as it tastes!

Side Dishes

While this dish is hearty on its own, you can round out your meal with some crusty bread to soak up the garlicky sauce, a crisp green salad for contrast, or even a side of roasted vegetables. Classic green beans, steamed broccoli, or a simple cucumber salad work beautifully alongside Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes in rustic bowls, topped with extra herbs for a family-style meal, or arrange them on a platter as part of a buffet for easy, self-serve elegance. For a fun twist, try serving leftovers over fluffy rice or spooned into a toasted baguette as a hearty sandwich—your guests will rave either way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, let the dish cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, and many say it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, allow the beef and potatoes to cool, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore the sauciness. Stir occasionally to ensure everything warms up evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient and budget-friendly, you can use sirloin, chuck, or even ribeye cubes for extra tenderness and richness. Just remember that fattier cuts yield the most flavorful results.

Is it possible to make this without a slow cooker?

Definitely—prepare everything as instructed, then bake in a Dutch oven or covered casserole dish at 325°F for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender. You can also try it in an Instant Pot on the stew/meat setting for a faster version.

What can I do if my sauce is too thin?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, simply scoop out the beef and potatoes once cooked and simmer the remaining sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce it. Mix in a cornstarch slurry for extra body if needed.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to toss in carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions alongside the potatoes for added color and nutrition. Just remember to cut any added veggies into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.

What’s the best way to prevent the beef from drying out?

Make sure not to overcook the beef and always use enough liquid in the slow cooker. Using well-marbled beef helps too, since the fat keeps the bites juicy and tender even after hours of cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal bursting with savory flair and effortless coziness, you can’t go wrong with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes. This recipe truly delivers on both flavor and comfort—plus, it’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve to friends. Give it a try and let it become one of your go-to favorites!

Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are a savory and comforting dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender beef stew meat cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with herb-infused baby potatoes will surely be a hit at the dining table.

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Cut beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
Optional Step: Parboil the baby potatoes briefly for slight softening.
Sear Beef: In a skillet, sear beef bites in olive oil until browned.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place potatoes and seared beef in the slow cooker. Pour garlic butter sauce and beef broth over them.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Ensure the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 570mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Beef Bites, Slow Cooker Beef Recipe, Comfort Food