There’s something truly magical about gathering around the dinner table with a delicious, aroma-filled meal made effortlessly in your trusty crockpot. I stumbled upon this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe one chilly evening when my family was craving comfort food. I had just returned home from a long, bustling day and needed something that would nourish our souls (and fill our bellies) without sending me into a frenzy in the kitchen. The soft sizzle of butter melting, mingling with the savory scents of garlic and beef, filled our cozy kitchen, wrapping us in warmth as we savored every bite.
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This dish quickly became a family favorite—it’s rich, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. I know you’ll find it just as comforting and enjoyable! The tender beef, buttery potatoes, and savory spices come together in a harmony that feels like a warm hug on a gray day. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this free-spirited yet simple recipe that will become a cherished ritual in your home just as it has in mine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic while you sip tea or read a good book!
- Meltingly tender beef: Low and slow cooking breaks down the beef, resulting in delightful bites of tenderness.
- Buttery goodness: Who can resist the rich flavors of garlic butter coating the beef and potatoes?
- One-pot meal: Easy cleanup! Everything cooks together, creating fewer dishes and mess in your kitchen.
- Kid-approved: This flavor-packed dish is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef stew meat
Look for tender cuts such as chuck for a melt-in-your-mouth experience!1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
These delightful little gems are creamy and buttery; they hold their shape beautifully while braising.1 tablespoon onion powder
A quick way to infuse sweetness and depth into your dish without the fuss of chopping onions!1 teaspoon garlic powder
This adds an extra kick of garlicky goodness—because one can never have too much garlic!2 teaspoons seasoned salt
Enhances every bite and brings out the flavors of the beef and potatoes perfectly!1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
Fresh garlic packs a punch of flavor; it’s like breathing life into the dish!5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads
Butter is the secret ingredient here, adding richness that’s positively addictive!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Place the beef stew meat on one half of the crockpot and arrange the baby potatoes on the other side. It’s like creating a cozy little landscape in your slow cooker!
Step 2: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both sides of the beef and potatoes. Feel free to let the spices mingle a little!
Step 3: Toss It Up
Gently toss the beef to coat it evenly in the seasoning, ensuring it stays separated from the potatoes—keeping those lovelies intact for later!
Step 4: Add the Garlic
Sprinkle the chopped garlic over both the meat and potatoes. It’s at this moment when the heavenly aroma begins to dance around your kitchen!
Step 5: Butter It Up
Dot the entire dish with pads of butter, letting them pool over the beef and potatoes like little golden rafts of flavor!
Step 6: Cook Away
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours; just imagine the deliciousness simmering away as your home fills with warm aromas.
Step 7: Serve it Up
When done, carefully spoon the luscious garlic butter sauce from the bottom over the beef and potatoes. Serve hot, savoring every bite of your garlic butter beef bites with potatoes!
Pro Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef overnight with the seasonings!
- If you prefer crispier potatoes, add them in the last couple of hours of cooking.
- To thicken the sauce, remove some of it at the end and whisk in a cornstarch slurry.
Flavor Variations
- Swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter take that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Add in seasonal veggies like carrots or green beans for a burst of color and flavor.
- Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a fragrant upgrade!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your sumptuous beef bites with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up that buttery sauce. A robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, or a pear cider is the perfect drink companion! For plating, scoop the beef and potatoes into bowls and drizzle them with that luscious garlic butter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can absolutely prep this dish a day in advance! Just chop the potatoes and marinate the beef in the spices, then store in the fridge overnight. This meal can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Leftovers
Transform any leftovers into a delightful beef and potato hash for breakfast! Or, mix them into a savory beef stew for a cozy lunch the next day.
Freezing
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave—just heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Cuts like brisket or round are great alternatives—just remember they may have different cooking times!
Do I need to brown the meat before cooking?
While it’s not necessary, a quick sear can enhance the flavor. Just make sure to deglaze the pan!
Can I make this in a regular pot?
Certainly! Adjust the cooking time to around 2-3 hours on low heat, stirring occasionally.
What if I don’t have onion or garlic powder?
You can use fresh onions and garlic if you have them on hand. Just chop them up and add them directly in!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe becomes as treasured in your home as it is in mine. It’s one of those comforting meals that says “Welcome Home!” With each bite, you, too, will feel wrapped in the warm love of a homemade dinner. So gather around the table with friends and family, and share the heartwarming magic of this dish. Happy cooking, dear friends, and remember, every meal can be a moment to savor! 🌟
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat Look for tender cuts such as chuck for a melt-in-your-mouth experience!
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes These delightful little gems are creamy and buttery; they hold their shape beautifully while braising.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder A quick way to infuse sweetness and depth without the fuss of chopping onions.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder This adds an extra kick of garlicky goodness.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt Enhances every bite and brings out the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped Fresh garlic packs a punch of flavor.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads Adds richness that’s positively addictive!
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the beef stew meat on one half of the crockpot and arrange the baby potatoes on the other side.
- Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both sides of the beef and potatoes.
- Gently toss the beef to coat it evenly in the seasoning, ensuring it stays separated from the potatoes.
- Sprinkle the chopped garlic over both the meat and potatoes.
- Dot the entire dish with pads of butter.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- When done, carefully spoon the luscious garlic butter sauce from the bottom over the beef and potatoes.