This dish features tender beef bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with yummy potatoes. It’s a warm and cozy meal that’s super easy to make!
I love how the slow cooker does all the work. You can set it and forget it while the house fills with delicious smells. Perfect for a lazy day or a busy evening!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin for its tenderness, but chuck roast is perfect too. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
Baby Potatoes: Red or yellow baby potatoes work best, but you can swap in Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes. Just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings great flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be a backup. Use about 1/2 teaspoon for every clove of fresh garlic.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe. For a healthier option, you can use olive oil instead, which also complements the flavors nicely.
How Can I Get the Beef to Be Tender and Juicy?
The secret to tender beef bites in this recipe is the slow cooking process. Cooking on low heat for a longer time helps break down the tough fibers in the meat, making it tender and juicy.
- Make sure to cut the beef into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t rush the cooking. If you have time, cook on low for 6-7 hours instead of high.
- Let the beef rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (red or yellow), halved or quartered if large
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then around 6-7 hours on low heat (or 3-4 hours on high heat) for cooking. It’s a hands-off meal once you set it up, making it perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. It’s going to smell amazing!
2. Coat the Beef Bites:
Add the bite-sized beef cubes to the bowl with the garlic butter mixture. Toss everything together until the beef is well-coated. This will give your beef that delicious flavor!
3. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the halved potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle some olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper. Give them a nice toss to coat!
4. Add the Beef:
Now, layer the garlic butter-coated beef bites right on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker.
5. Pour in the Beef Broth:
Drizzle the beef broth evenly over the beef and potatoes. This will keep everything juicy as it cooks.
6. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy your flavorful garlic butter beef bites with potatoes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin and chuck roast are great options, you can also use brisket or even flank steak. Just ensure that whatever cut you choose is well-marbled for tenderness.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or mushrooms! Just chop them into similar sizes as the potatoes so they cook evenly. Add hearty vegetables like carrots at the same time as the potatoes for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep your ingredients the night before! Just keep them in the fridge and assemble them in the slow cooker in the morning. Set it to cook on low, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready for dinner!
