These slow cooker garlic butter beef bites are super tender and packed with flavor. Toss in some potatoes, and you’ve got a cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners!
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? I just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Plus, the smell will have everyone rushing to the table! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Beef sirloin or stew meat works best for tenderness. If you’re looking for an alternative, consider using chuck roast, which becomes wonderfully tender when cooked low and slow.
Potatoes: Baby potatoes make this dish easy, but you can substitute with larger potatoes—just cut them into smaller chunks for even cooking. Red or Yukon Gold potatoes add a nice creaminess!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings out amazing flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with garlic powder. One clove of garlic is about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary are great, but feel free to use Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence for a different flavor profile. They’re handy if you don’t have fresh herbs available!
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level. If you’re watching your saturated fat intake, you could swap half the butter with olive oil.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef in a Slow Cooker?
Getting tender beef is all about cooking low and slow! Here’s how to ensure your beef turns out just right:
- Start with good quality beef, as this makes a difference in flavor and tenderness.
- Sear the beef first! Browning adds depth of flavor. It’s worth a few extra minutes.
- Don’t rush the cooking time. Use the low setting on your slow cooker for the best results, aiming for 6-8 hours.
- Make sure your beef is submerged in the broth; this helps it cook evenly and keeps it juicy.
Enjoy your cooking, and don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as necessary! A little flick of salt or an extra sprinkle of herbs can make all the difference!
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, with a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat in the slow cooker. Overall, you’ll have a delicious and hearty meal ready to enjoy without much effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season your beef pieces generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides—this should take about 2-3 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Carefully pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan. Let this simmer for around 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the garlic butter broth over the beef in the slow cooker. Next, add the halved baby potatoes along with the thyme, rosemary, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and some more salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together to combine all the delicious flavors.
4. Add the Final Touches:
Dot the top of the beef and potatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This will create a rich, buttery flavor as it cooks.
5. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and the potatoes fully cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s time to enjoy a lovely meal!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your savory, buttery garlic beef bites with tender potatoes with family or friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to thaw the beef before cooking. If you want to use frozen beef, make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight. This ensures it will brown properly when searing and cook evenly in the slow cooker.
What Can I Substitute for Baby Potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use larger potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets. Just cut them into similarly-sized chunks to ensure even cooking. You could also try carrots or parsnips for a different flavor profile!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Worcestershire Sauce?
Yes! If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can skip it or substitute it with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar. Both will add a nice depth of flavor to your dish!
