Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes: A One-Pot Wonder

If you’re looking for a meal that combines rich flavors, minimal effort, and the comfort of a home-cooked dinner, then this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes recipe is exactly what you need. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you can create a meal that’s hearty enough to satisfy any craving. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze!

This recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something warm and comforting. The tender beef, garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes meld together to create a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

What Makes This Recipe Special

At its core, Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes is a delicious combination of tender beef, golden baby potatoes, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce. It’s not just the flavors that make this dish stand out—it’s also the convenience. By using a crockpot, you set everything in the morning and forget about it until dinner time, making this an ideal recipe for those busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle.

What truly makes this dish comforting is the garlic butter sauce. The garlic, paired with the buttery richness, infuses the beef and potatoes, giving them an irresistible flavor that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Add in the tender beef, which practically melts in your mouth, and you’ve got a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients, which you can easily find at your local grocery store:

• 1.5 pounds of beef stew meat (or beef chunks)
• 1.5 pounds of baby Yukon gold or red potatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt (or regular salt and pepper)
• 1/4 cup of beef broth (optional, for extra moisture)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

this recipe

Note: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love garlic, don’t be shy—add an extra clove or two!

Step-By-Step Preparation & Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Beef and Potatoes:
   Start by cutting your beef stew meat into bite-sized chunks if it’s not already pre-cut. Then, wash and halve the baby potatoes. If you’re using larger potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Layer in the Crockpot:
   Place the beef and potatoes directly into the crockpot. Add the garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt. The seasoning here really infuses the beef and potatoes as they cook.
3. Add Butter & Broth:
   Slice the butter into pieces and distribute them evenly over the beef and potatoes. If you’re adding beef broth, pour it into the crockpot to help create that rich, buttery sauce. The broth is optional, but it adds moisture and depth to the dish.
4. Cook Low and Slow:
   Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. If you’re in a rush, high works, but the low setting will yield more tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.
5. Finishing Touches:
   Once the cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir to mix the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a crispy texture on the potatoes, you can briefly broil them in the oven after slow cooking to get that golden, crispy crust.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes dish is a meal in itself, but you can elevate it by pairing it with some delicious sides. For a well-rounded meal, try serving it with a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a burst of color and nutrients. If you love bread, serve it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up the savory garlic butter sauce.

Another option is to serve it over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice, which will complement the rich, flavorful sauce. If you’re craving something lighter, a crisp green salad on the side is the perfect refreshing contrast.

Dietary Variations & Substitutions

This dish is easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free beef broth and seasonings. Check any seasoning packets for hidden gluten.
• Low-Calorie/Low-Fat: Opt for leaner cuts of beef, like sirloin, and reduce the butter to 1/4 cup or use a butter alternative like olive oil. Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version.
• Vegan/Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with seitan, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegan butter and vegetable broth. You can also use sweet potatoes or regular potatoes instead of baby Yukon gold.
• Halal: Use halal-certified beef and ensure your seasoning mixes are compliant with halal dietary laws.

These substitutions will help you tailor the dish to meet your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. This recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Freezing: You can freeze the beef and potatoes for up to 3 months. Just be aware that potatoes can become a bit soft after freezing, so you may want to freeze the beef and gravy separately, then cook fresh potatoes when you reheat the dish.

Reheating: To reheat, you can warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Make-Ahead: For an even easier meal, prep everything the night before. Simply add the beef, potatoes, garlic, seasonings, and butter to the crockpot, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, you can just toss it into the slow cooker and set it to cook.

This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes recipe is a true lifesaver, bringing comfort and flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply craving something rich and hearty, this dish delivers every time. And best of all, it’s customizable to suit your dietary needs, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

FAQ

Do I need to sear the beef before putting it in the crockpot?

No, searing the beef is optional. While it adds a richer flavor to the dish, this recipe is designed to be a “dump-and-go” meal. The slow cooking process will tenderize the beef without searing.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby Yukon gold potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes, but be sure to cut them into smaller chunks so they cook evenly. Baby Yukon golds hold their shape well, but other varieties work too with slight texture differences.

How long should I cook this on low in the crockpot?

For best results, cook this dish on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, low-heat cooking time ensures that the beef becomes fork-tender and the potatoes perfectly cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just add them to the crockpot, set it to cook, and enjoy a hassle-free meal by dinnertime.

Can I freeze this recipe for later?

Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the beef and gravy separately, and cook fresh potatoes when reheating. Just be mindful that potatoes may change texture when frozen.

Get inspired with more mouthwatering recipes! Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and subscribe to YouTube for new cooking ideas every week.

Print