I absolutely love sharing this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe with you because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The combination of tender beef stew meat with buttery garlic goodness and soft baby Yukon potatoes is a total crowd-pleaser. What makes it even better is how hands-off it is – just prep, set the slow cooker, and come back to a delicious, comforting dinner.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients turned into something rich and flavorful without any fancy steps. It works perfectly for busy weeknights or when you want a cozy meal without fuss. You’ll find that having this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe in your dinner rotation is a game changer for easy, hearty meals everyone loves.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Cooking: You simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax or handle other tasks.
  • Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: The butter and fresh garlic infuse the beef and potatoes with incredible depth and warmth.
  • Perfectly Tender Beef: Cooking on low for hours makes the beef melt in your mouth every single time.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish—it’s comfort food that feels a little special without extra effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe is chosen for simplicity and flavor harmony. Using baby Yukon gold potatoes keeps the texture creamy and smooth, while the seasonings boost taste without overpowering the natural beefy goodness.

  • Beef stew meat: Look for well-marbled chunks; this ensures juicy, tender bites after slow cooking.
  • Baby Yukon gold potatoes: Their thin skins and buttery texture cook beautifully alongside the beef.
  • Onion powder: Adds a mild, savory depth without needing to chop fresh onions.
  • Garlic powder: A great way to layer garlicky flavor before adding fresh garlic.
  • Seasoned salt: A convenient seasoning blend that amps up the savory notes effortlessly.
  • Fresh garlic, chopped: This is where the magic happens – fresh garlic gives the recipe that irresistible aroma and taste.
  • Butter: Cut into small pads, butter melts slowly, enriching every bit of beef and potato.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe can be. Whether you want it a bit more garlicky, add some herbs, or adjust for quicker cooking, you can easily tweak it to suit your family’s tastes and schedule.

  • Use cubed sirloin steak: I’ve swapped stew meat for sirloin when I’m short on time, and cooking on high for 4 hours works great to keep things tender.
  • Add fresh herbs: Throw in a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary for an earthy note that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
  • Spicy twist: For a little kick, I sometimes sprinkle in red pepper flakes—just a pinch goes a long way!
  • Dairy-free version: Replace butter with olive oil and watch the flavors still shine through wonderfully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients

Start by placing the beef stew meat into one half of your slow cooker, and the baby Yukon potatoes into the other half. This separation helps them cook evenly since potatoes tend to cook a bit faster than beef. Once arranged, sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both sides. I like to toss the beef gently to make sure every piece gets that seasoning, but keep it separate from the potatoes as best you can. This layering technique really locks in flavor throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Add Fresh Garlic and Butter Pads

Now comes the star of this recipe: fresh garlic and butter. Sprinkle the chopped garlic evenly on top of both the beef and potatoes. Then, place the butter cut into tablespoon-size pads all over the meat and potatoes. These butter pads will slowly melt during the cooking time, infusing everything with rich, luscious flavor. Don’t skip this step — it’s the secret to that unforgettable garlic-butter taste.

Step 3: Low and Slow Cooking

Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Let it cook for about 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and cooked through. The low temperature and long cooking time allow the beef to become incredibly tender without drying out. By the time you check back, the potatoes should be perfectly soft, and the flavors will have melded beautifully. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often — every peek releases heat and extends your cooking time!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

When it’s done, use a slotted spoon to serve the beef and potatoes. Spoon some of the delicious garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over each serving — this extra drizzle is what takes the dish to the next level. Trust me, this sauce is pure comfort in a spoon!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe

  • Even Cooking: Keeping beef and potatoes somewhat separated helps them cook evenly without potatoes turning mushy.
  • Butter Pads: Cut your butter into small pats so they melt more evenly and coat everything nicely.
  • Seasoning Check: Feel free to taste and adjust with more garlic powder or salt before cooking for your preferred intensity.
  • Resist Lid Lifting: Opening the slow cooker during cooking extends the time needed, so trust the process and keep it closed.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites, beef stew in slow cooker, easy beef dinner recipes, hearty beef meals, comforting slow cooker recipes The image shows a close-up of chunks of cooked meat with a brown, slightly crispy outer layer mixed with small grains of seasoning, sitting in a rich, glossy brown sauce. Surrounding the meat are round, soft-looking whole potatoes with a light golden color. The food is inside a black slow cooker with a visible edge, and the background is a white marbled texture.

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving. The fresh herbs brighten the rich garlic butter flavor and add a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to add freshness. Sometimes, I’ll serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up that irresistible garlic butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these beef bites on a large wooden board alongside herb roasted vegetables and a garlic aioli dip. It feels festive and encourages everyone to dig in and share. You can also place them over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I store mine, I like to separate the meat and potatoes slightly so they don’t turn too mushy. Just pop them out when you’re ready to enjoy again!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by placing leftover beef bites and potatoes in freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze in portions you’ll eat in one go. When thawed, the texture is still delightful, and the flavors hold up well.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. This helps retain the tender texture without drying out the beef or potatoes.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other cuts of beef for this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe?

    Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you can also use cubed sirloin or chuck roast cut into pieces. Just keep in mind that cooking times might change slightly depending on the cut’s tenderness.

  2. Is it okay to cook this recipe on high instead of low?

    Yes, you can! If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for about 4 hours works well, especially if you’re using faster-cooking beef like sirloin. Just check the tenderness of both the beef and potatoes before serving to avoid overcooking.

  3. Can I add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms?

    Definitely! Adding carrots or mushrooms can add extra flavor and texture. Keep in mind that some veggies cook faster, so consider adding them midway through the cooking time, or chop them larger to prevent them from becoming too soft.

  4. How do I prevent the potatoes from getting too mushy?

    Separating the potatoes from the beef in the slow cooker helps with this. Also, using baby Yukon gold potatoes with their thin skins helps keep them intact longer, and cooking on low prevents them from breaking down too much.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it proves great cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. I love how you can come home to a savory, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that feels both comforting and a little indulgent. I’m excited for you to try it—it’s one of those recipes that’ll quickly become a go-to whenever you want something tasty, simple, and satisfying. Let me know how you and your family enjoy it!

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 88 reviews
  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Enjoy tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with soft baby Yukon gold potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic garlic and seasoned spices. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers rich buttery taste and melt-in-your-mouth beef.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Beef and Potatoes

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat
  • 1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes

Seasonings and Butter

  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
  • 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pads

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat into one half of the slow cooker and the baby Yukon gold potatoes into the other half, keeping them separated for even seasoning.
  2. Season: Evenly sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both the beef and potatoes. Carefully toss only the beef side to ensure all meat pieces are well seasoned without mixing with the potatoes.
  3. Add Garlic and Butter: Sprinkle the chopped garlic evenly over the beef and potatoes, then place the pads of butter evenly on top of everything.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and fully cooked through.
  5. Serve: Spoon the beef and potatoes onto plates, drizzle with the cooking juices from the bottom of the slow cooker for added flavor, and enjoy your hearty meal!

Notes

  • For a faster cook time, use cubed sirloin steak instead of beef stew meat and cook on high for 4 hours.
  • Be careful when tossing the beef to keep it separate from the potatoes for the best flavor distribution.
  • Serving with a side of steamed green vegetables or a simple salad complements this rich dish well.
  • This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on your slow cooker size and serving needs.

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