This dish is all about tender beef bites cooked low and slow in a buttery garlic sauce, paired with soft potatoes. It’s a warm hug in a bowl! 🥔😍
What I love is how easy it is to prepare—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic! Perfect for busy days when you want comfort food!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Chuck roast is a great choice for slow cooking as it becomes very tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, sirloin can work too. You can also use brisket or even chicken if you prefer a lighter dish!
Potatoes: Baby potatoes offer nice bite-sized pieces and cook quickly. Yukon Gold is another favorite of mine for its creamy texture. If you want to skip potatoes or need a lower-carb option, try cauliflower florets instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you want to cut back on dairy, try using olive oil instead. It gives a lovely flavor too!
Herbs: Fresh herbs are wonderful when available, but dried thyme and rosemary do just fine. If you don’t have these, Italian seasoning works as a good alternative!
How Do I Get My Beef to Brown Perfectly?
Searing the beef is key to developing rich flavors. Start with a preheated skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning. Here’s how:
- Use medium-high heat and a bit of oil. Sear each batch for about 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker to keep it warm. This step enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Remember, patience is important! Searing will add depth to the flavor that’s well worth the extra time. Enjoy your cooking!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) beef sirloin or chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 pound (450g) baby potatoes or small Yukon gold potatoes, halved
For The Flavor:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. So, you can set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, sear the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they’re browned on all sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker for later.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes—it will smell amazing!
3. Mix in the Seasonings:
Add the dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir it together to combine all those lovely flavors!
4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth, stirring well and scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Let this aromatic mixture simmer for about 1-2 minutes until it reduces slightly.
5. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Add the halved baby potatoes around the beef in the slow cooker. Then pour the delicious garlic-butter mixture over the beef and potatoes.
6. Add More Butter:
Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and scatter them on top of everything in the slow cooker for that extra richness.
7. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once it’s done cooking, give it a gentle stir. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the warm, savory goodness of your garlic butter beef bites with potatoes!
Enjoy your meal! 🎉
FAQ: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use frozen beef, it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the beef in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick-thaw method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. This will ensure it cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
What If I Don’t Have Baby Potatoes?
No problem! You can substitute baby potatoes with regular potatoes cut into chunks, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor palate. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Butter?
Yes, you can replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine to keep it lighter and dairy-free. The flavor will be slightly different, but your dish will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can add a splash of beef broth to revive the sauce’s richness if needed!
