Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavor-packed beef simmered to perfection with baby potatoes, garlic, butter, and savory herbs. It’s a hands-off, hearty dish that’s both effortless and deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The beef becomes fall-apart tender in a rich garlic-butter sauce, complemented by soft, seasoned potatoes. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. It’s versatile, comforting, and easily adaptable to your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
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baby potatoes, quartered
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unsalted butter, melted
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garlic, minced
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onion, chopped
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beef broth
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Worcestershire sauce
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smoked paprika
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Italian seasoning
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red pepper flakes (optional)
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salt
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black pepper
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fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Prepare the Beef
Season the beef stew meat with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly. -
Sear the Beef (Optional)
In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef cubes on all sides for 3–4 minutes to enhance flavor. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker. -
Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the quartered baby potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the slow cooker with the beef. -
Add Liquids
Pour in the melted butter, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. -
Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fork-soft. -
Finish and Serve
Stir gently. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
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Total Time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 430 kcal per serving
Variations
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Vegetable Addition: Add carrots or mushrooms along with the potatoes for added flavor and texture.
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Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
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Creamy Finish: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for a creamy garlic butter finish.
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Herb Substitute: Use fresh rosemary or thyme in place of Italian seasoning.
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Wine Twist: Replace ½ cup of beef broth with red wine for a richer, deeper flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I skip searing the beef?
Yes, searing adds depth of flavor but is not essential. The slow cooker will still produce tender and flavorful meat.
What cuts of beef work best?
Beef stew meat, chuck roast, or brisket all work well due to their tenderness after slow cooking.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, baby potatoes have thin skins and roast beautifully without peeling.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes cut into chunks are great alternatives.
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function to sear, then pressure cook on high for about 35 minutes and natural release.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and broth.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Absolutely—fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley all enhance flavor.
How do I keep the potatoes from getting mushy?
Use baby potatoes or waxy varieties and avoid overcooking; check tenderness around the 6-hour mark on low.
What’s the best way to serve this?
It’s excellent with crusty bread, over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are a rich, comforting dish that combines tender beef, buttery potatoes, and robust seasoning—all made effortlessly in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers flavor, ease, and warmth in every bite. Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time.
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are melt-in-your-mouth tender and bursting with rich, savory flavor. Paired with baby potatoes and a buttery garlic broth, this easy, one-pot meal is perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. Set it, forget it, and come home to a hearty, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes (quartered)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
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Season the Beef: Toss beef bites with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
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Optional Sear: Sear beef in a hot skillet until browned on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
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Add Ingredients: Add quartered potatoes, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
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Pour Liquids: Add melted butter, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
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Serve: Stir, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
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For extra richness, finish with a splash of cream or sprinkle of Parmesan.
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Add carrots or mushrooms for variety.
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Best enjoyed with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) / 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American