Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This dish features hearty chunks of beef and baby potatoes gently simmered in a slow cooker with a luscious garlic butter sauce. Aromatic herbs such as thyme and rosemary add depth, while freshly minced garlic melds with melted butter for a rich, savory profile. Searing the beef before slow cooking brings a layer of caramelized flavor, although it's optional. Serve the tender beef and potatoes garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra comfort. Simple preparation meets robust, homestyle flavor—perfect for a family dinner or cozy gathering.

Ranah
Updated on Mon, 19 May 2025 01:27:56 GMT
A bowl of meat and potatoes. Pin it
A bowl of meat and potatoes. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This slow cooker garlic butter beef bites and potatoes recipe is the kind of comfort food that fills the whole kitchen with savory aromas and makes everyone excited for dinner The beef turns meltingly tender as it cooks in a rich garlic butter sauce and the potatoes soak up all that flavor You just set it and let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day

My family devoured this the very first time I made it and I have not had leftovers since It is always a crowd pleaser at our weekend gatherings

Ingredients

  • Beef chuck roast or sirloin cubes: These cuts become buttery soft as they slow cook Choose well marbled beef for maximum tenderness
  • Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning brings out the beef flavor Freshly cracked black pepper gives the best aroma
  • Garlic powder: Adds garlicky depth Choose a fresh jar for most potent flavor
  • Smoked paprika: Delivers a subtle smoky touch Look for Spanish smoked paprika if you can
  • Olive oil: For searing Choose extra virgin for a smooth taste Searing is optional but gives amazing extra flavor
  • Baby potatoes or Yukon Golds: Use firm waxy potatoes so they hold their shape Select potatoes with unblemished skins
  • Butter: Real unsalted butter gives a rich base Use high quality butter for the best sauce
  • Fresh garlic: Nothing beats freshly minced garlic for punchy taste Six cloves really infuse the dish
  • Thyme and rosemary: These herbs add classic earthiness Fresh herbs are extra fragrant but dried work great too
  • Beef broth: Deepens the sauce Flavorful broth ensures every bite is juicy Choose low sodium if you like
  • Worcestershire sauce: Perks up the sauce with savory zip Use a well known brand for that signature taste
  • Fresh parsley: For garnish Adds color and a burst of fresh taste
  • Grated Parmesan: For optional finishing Adds nutty richness Grate your own Parmesan for the finest flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:
Pat the beef chunks very dry with paper towels This step is essential for proper browning and helps seasoning stick Sprinkle salt pepper garlic powder and smoked paprika evenly over the beef making sure each piece gets coated For extra flavor heat olive oil in a skillet to medium high and sear the beef in batches letting each side get golden brown Searing caramelizes the outside and locks in juices but this is an optional step if you are short on time
Prepare the Potatoes:
Rinse and cut the potatoes into halves or quarters if they are large In a big bowl toss them with olive oil salt and pepper This gives each potato a chance to pick up the seasoning and ensures they cook evenly
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Melt the butter fully until liquid Mix in minced garlic thyme rosemary beef broth and Worcestershire sauce Whisk well so the herbs distribute throughout the sauce
Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Layer the seasoned potatoes as the base in the slow cooker Spread the seasoned beef on top in an even layer Pour the garlic butter sauce all over making sure to coat every piece of potato and beef
Cook:
Fit on the slow cooker lid and turn to your chosen setting For low heat plan for six to eight hours For high heat three to four hours is enough The beef should be fork tender and easy to pull apart and the potatoes should be soft but not falling apart Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Garnish and Serve:
Before serving sprinkle with parsley for a fresh finish If you are feeling indulgent add grated Parmesan The dish is best served hot and goes great with a green salad or crusty bread
A yummy bowl of meat and potatoes. Pin it
A yummy bowl of meat and potatoes. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

The fresh garlic is hands down my favorite ingredient Every time I chop those cloves I remember cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen where she said garlic brings dishes to life My kids always sneak into the kitchen just to smell this cooking

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days You can reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist This recipe also freezes great Portion into containers and freeze for up to three months for an easy meal later

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in stew beef or even boneless short ribs for a slightly richer version Red potatoes hold their shape nicely if you want a change from Yukon Gold If you are out of fresh herbs dried will absolutely work just use a third of the amount

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this over a scoop of mashed potatoes or even steamed rice for double comfort It pairs well with steamed green beans or just a pile of buttered peas For parties spoon the beef bites and potatoes into a big serving bowl and let everyone help themselves

A delicious bowl of meat and potatoes. Pin it
A delicious bowl of meat and potatoes. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Slow cooked beef dishes pop up in so many cuisines from French pot roast to classic American Sunday dinners The garlic butter twist in this recipe gives a nod to both French and Italian flavors It brings those old fashioned stew vibes but with a buttery upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the beef extra tender?

For maximum tenderness, use well-marbled cuts like chuck roast, and allow the dish to cook on the low setting for several hours until the beef becomes fork-tender.

→ Should I sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing adds a richer, deeper flavor through caramelization, but it's optional—simply season and add the beef directly if you're short on time.

→ Can I use different potatoes?

Yes. Baby potatoes or Yukon Golds work well for their creamy texture, but red potatoes or even quartered russets may also be used.

→ What herbs can be substituted for thyme and rosemary?

Fresh or dried oregano or Italian seasoning can be used for a different herbal profile, matching your taste preferences.

→ How do I serve these garlic butter beef bites and potatoes?

This meal is delicious served straight from the slow cooker. Add chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and pair with crusty bread or salad for a complete meal.

→ Can the dish be prepped ahead?

Absolutely—season and cube beef, mix garlic butter sauce, and prep potatoes the night before. Combine and cook when ready!

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

Beef bites and potatoes slow-cooked in savory garlic butter sauce, finished with herbs and a hint of Parmesan.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
255 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (About 1.5 cups per serving)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Beef Bites

01 900 grams beef chuck roast or sirloin, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
02 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
03 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing (optional)

→ Potatoes

07 680 grams baby potatoes or Yukon Gold, halved or quartered if large
08 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
09 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Garlic Butter Sauce

11 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 6 garlic cloves, minced
13 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
14 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
15 120 millilitres beef broth
16 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Optional Garnishes

17 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
18 Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Pat beef cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 02

For added depth of flavour, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear beef cubes in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate.

Step 03

In a large bowl, toss halved or quartered potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.

Step 04

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until fully blended.

Step 05

Arrange seasoned potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Spread seasoned beef evenly over the potatoes. Drizzle garlic butter sauce over the beef and potatoes to ensure thorough coating.

Step 06

Cover and cook on low setting for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Check doneness; beef and potatoes should be fork-tender and infused with garlic butter.

Step 07

Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan for richness. Serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh green salad as desired.

Notes

  1. Searing the beef before slow cooking is optional; it enhances depth of flavour but can be omitted for convenience.
  2. For best texture, use waxy potatoes such as baby potatoes or Yukon Gold, as they hold their shape during slow cooking.
  3. To intensify herb aromas, opt for fresh thyme and rosemary when available.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker (minimum 4.5 litres capacity)
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Chopping board and chef’s knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
  • Protein: 30 g