If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe delivers tender, juicy beef bites paired with perfectly cooked baby potatoes, all enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with aromatic herbs and smoky paprika. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises to impress with every buttery, garlicky bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients — each one carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the rich butter that brings everything together to the fresh garlic and herbs that add brightness and depth, every item plays a vital role in making this dish truly memorable.
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat: Choose a cut with a bit of marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- 1 pound baby potatoes: These cook evenly and absorb flavor beautifully when halved.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter enriches the sauce with a velvety, creamy texture that coats every bite.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the dish its signature aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that elevates the beef and potatoes.
- 0.25 cup beef broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses a deep umami flavor during cooking.
- Olive oil: For searing the beef to a golden crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance the flavors perfectly.
- Dried thyme: A fragrant herb that pairs beautifully with beef and butter.
- Dried rosemary: Adds an earthy, piney note that rounds out the dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and fits perfectly on your fork. Next, halve the baby potatoes so their tender insides absorb all the flavors while cooking. Having this prep done upfront makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and let them sear undisturbed until they develop a gorgeous, browned crust—this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Searing locks in the juices and creates a rich flavor base that’s the heart of this recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir these into a fragrant, flavorful garlic butter sauce that will lovingly coat both the beef and potatoes during slow cooking.
Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef bites into your slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the top, followed by the beef broth. This layering of ingredients allows the flavors to mingle and infuse as they cook low and slow.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method will render the beef fork-tender and allow the potatoes to soak up all that rich, buttery goodness. Patience here results in a perfectly textured, melt-in-your-mouth meal.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once cooking time is up, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes; this helps the juices settle and intensifies the flavors. Plus, it gives you a moment to savor the anticipation of a truly delicious meal.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few fennel fronds on top adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of extra melted butter can also amp up that luxurious mouthfeel, making each serving feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables balances the meal beautifully. A side of crusty bread is also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic vibe, serve this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets right at the table. Alternatively, plating over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or polenta adds a silky contrast to the texture and can impress your guests with just a little extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef bites and potatoes keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, freezing works great. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw the meal overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet on low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a little additional beef broth or a pat of butter during reheating helps restore moisture and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, you can substitute with chuck roast or sirloin tips as long as they are cut into bite-sized pieces. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut’s tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a heavy pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Brown the beef, then combine all ingredients and cook covered on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender. Slow cooking just adds convenience and hands-off cooking time.
How do I get the potatoes to cook evenly without falling apart?
Halving the baby potatoes ensures they cook through without disintegrating. Also, slow cooking at a low temperature helps maintain their shape while allowing them to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
Can I adjust the garlic butter sauce to be spicier?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the garlic butter sauce will bring a delicious heat that complements the smoky paprika and herbs perfectly.
What wine pairs well with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe?
A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a rich Malbec works wonderfully with this dish. Their fruit-forward richness balances the buttery garlic sauce and hearty beef, making for a spectacular meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for good reason. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy dinners any time of year. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy of a truly satisfying, buttery, savory dish that everyone will keep asking for again and again.
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Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (using low setting)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe combines tender, slow-cooked beef stew meat and baby potatoes infused with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika, onion powder, and herbs, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and melts in your mouth after hours of slow cooking.
Ingredients
Beef and Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 0.25 cup beef broth
- Olive oil, for searing
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Sear Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the beef pieces and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, to lock in flavor.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a fragrant sauce.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef bites into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the mixture, then add the beef broth to keep everything moist during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef becomes fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
- Rest Before Serving: Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor by developing a rich crust.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- You can add fresh herbs like parsley for garnish before serving.
- If you prefer, use red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes as alternatives.
- Make sure to cut potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
