Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a simple, comforting meal that brings together tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce. The beef gets so tender from slow cooking that it almost melts in your mouth, and the potatoes soak up all those buttery, garlicky flavors. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I love how easy it is to prepare — just pop everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. One tip I have is to use Yukon gold potatoes because they hold their shape well but still become tender and buttery after slow cooking. The garlic butter sauce is what really pulls it all together, and I usually add a little fresh parsley on top at the end to brighten it up.
For me, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when I want something that feels homey but doesn’t need a lot of hands-on time. I like serving it straight from the slow cooker, maybe with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies on the side. Everyone always asks for seconds, and it’s so nice to just set it and forget it until dinner time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck: This cut is great for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you need a leaner option, try sirloin steak, but cook time may be shorter to avoid drying out.
Baby yellow potatoes: These hold up well in the slow cooker without falling apart. You can swap with baby red potatoes or fingerlings if you prefer.
Butter and garlic: Butter adds richness, while garlic gives a strong aromatic flavor. For a dairy-free choice, use olive oil and add garlic powder or fresh garlic.
Beef broth and Worcestershire sauce: These bring depth and a little tang to the dish. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar works too.
How Do You Keep Beef Bites Tender and Juicy in the Slow Cooker?
Slow cooking is all about low heat and time. Here’s how to make sure your beef bites stay tender:
- Cut evenly: Make the beef cubes uniform so they cook at the same rate.
- Coat with butter and seasoning: This helps seal in moisture and flavor before cooking.
- Use low and slow setting: Cook on low for 6-7 hours to break down the connective tissue gently, making beef tender.
- Avoid lifting the lid: Keep the heat steady by leaving the slow cooker closed until it’s done.
- Add enough liquid: The broth and Worcestershire sauce help keep meat moist and create a tasty sauce.
Following these steps gives you beef bites that are juicy and rich, perfect for pairing with soft, buttery potatoes.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – essential for cooking beef bites and potatoes slowly to tender perfection without much effort.
- Large mixing bowl – great for tossing the beef in garlic butter and seasonings evenly.
- Measuring spoons – to get the right amounts of herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – handy for stirring ingredients gently before serving.
- Knife and cutting board – to cut beef and dice any optional veggies like carrots.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap baby yellow potatoes for sweet potatoes – adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with garlic butter.
- Add mushrooms or pearl onions – they soak up the sauce and add extra depth and texture.
- Use fresh rosemary instead of thyme – for a piney, earthy aroma that’s nice with beef.
- Try cubed chicken thigh in place of beef – cooks faster and still stays juicy with the garlic butter sauce.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Sauce:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Vegetables:
- 1.5 lbs baby yellow potatoes, whole
- 1 large carrot, diced (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, cook in your slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that works great for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mix and Beef:
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic together. Add the beef cubes to the bowl and toss well to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Season the beef with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley, then toss again to distribute the seasonings.
2. Assemble Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Place the coated beef bites into the slow cooker. Add the whole baby yellow potatoes and the diced carrot (if using) on top of the beef. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over all the ingredients to keep them moist and flavorful during cooking.
3. Cook and Serve:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft. Before serving, gently stir the mixture so all the pieces get coated with the delicious garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and thyme sprigs if you like, then serve hot and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh beef cubes for even cooking. If you use frozen beef, make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to ensure the meat cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
Can I Substitute Other Potatoes?
Absolutely! Baby red potatoes or fingerling potatoes work well as substitutes. Just be mindful that softer potatoes like russets might break down more during slow cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add veggies like mushrooms, pearl onions, or green beans. Add mushrooms and onions at the start with the beef, but add more delicate veggies like green beans in the last hour to avoid overcooking.
