Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that’s loaded with flavor and easy to prepare. Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce with perfectly cooked baby potatoes make this meal both satisfying and effortless. It’s a one-pot dinner that practically cooks itself while I go about my day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting with this recipe. The beef turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender, the potatoes soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness, and the seasoning is just right. It’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of dish that’s perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends at home. Plus, the garlic butter makes everything taste indulgent without being complicated.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Stew beef or beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Baby potatoes, halved

• Unsalted butter

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Onion powder

• Italian seasoning

• Fresh or dried parsley

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil (optional for browning)

• Beef broth (optional, for extra moisture)

Directions

1. I start by seasoning the beef bites generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

2. If I have time, I quickly sear the beef in a hot skillet with a little olive oil to lock in flavor, but it’s totally optional.

3. I place the beef and halved baby potatoes into the slow cooker.

4. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, I melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and parsley. I pour this garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.

5. I cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are fork-soft.

6. Before serving, I stir everything gently to coat in the flavorful butter sauce and sprinkle with a little extra parsley if I want to dress it up.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings. It takes around 10–15 minutes to prep, then cooks for 6–8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in the slow cooker.

Variations

I sometimes swap the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes or even carrots if I want a sweeter flavor. For a kick, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper or stir in a little Dijon mustard to the garlic butter sauce. I’ve also added mushrooms or green beans during the last hour of cooking for more veggie power.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I reheat it, I do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. It also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the beef?

Yes, I’ve made it both ways. Browning adds a bit more depth of flavor, but if I’m short on time, I just toss the beef straight into the slow cooker.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely. I’ve used chuck roast, stew meat, and even sirloin. The key is letting it cook long enough to become tender.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Nope, I leave the skin on. It saves time and adds texture. Just give them a good scrub before halving them.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, I often throw in carrots or green beans. I add more delicate veggies like green beans in the last hour so they don’t overcook.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If I want the sauce thicker, I mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a go-to recipe when I want something warm, filling, and full of flavor with minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker brings out the best in the beef, and the garlic butter transforms simple ingredients into something seriously delicious. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals I know I’ll be making again and again.