Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are tender, flavorful, and packed with rich garlic butter goodness. This easy slow-cooker meal combines hearty beef stew meat and baby Yukon gold potatoes for a comforting, hands-off dinner perfect for any night of the week.

With minimal prep and simple pantry spices, this recipe delivers juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re making a cozy family meal or an effortless weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Just dump, season, and let the slow cooker do the work.
Rich & Flavorful – The beef absorbs all the garlic butter goodness while it slow-cooks.
Minimal Ingredients – Uses simple pantry staples for an incredibly delicious meal.
One-Pot Convenience – No extra dishes—everything cooks in one slow cooker.
Versatile – Serve with vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger) – Ensures even cooking and allows enough space for the beef and potatoes.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For cutting butter and prepping ingredients.
Measuring Spoons – To measure out seasonings accurately.
Tongs or Mixing Spoon – Helps distribute seasoning evenly on the beef.

Preparation Tips

Use Uniform Potato Sizes – If potatoes are large, cut them in half to ensure even cooking.
Pat Dry the Beef – Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better.
Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor – Freshly chopped garlic gives the best taste compared to pre-minced.

Ingredients (6 Servings)

Main Ingredients

2 pounds beef stew meat (or cubed sirloin steak for a faster cook time)
1 1/2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes (whole or halved)

Seasonings & Flavoring

1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pads

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Place the beef stew meat on one side of the slow cooker.
Add the baby Yukon gold potatoes to the other side.
Sprinkle both with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt.

2. Season & Add Butter

Gently toss the beef to distribute the seasoning, keeping it separate from the potatoes.
Sprinkle the chopped garlic over everything.
Place butter pads evenly on top of the beef and potatoes.

3. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
If using cubed sirloin steak, cook on high for 4 hours instead.

4. Serve & Enjoy

Spoon the garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the beef and potatoes.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Faster Cook Time Option

Use cubed sirloin steak instead of stew meat.
Cook on high for 4 hours instead of low for 6 hours.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites

This dish is rich, buttery, and packed with flavor, so pairing it with the right side dishes can balance out the meal. Here are eight great options to serve alongside:

1. Steamed Broccoli

A simple, healthy choice that adds color and freshness. The mild flavor of broccoli complements the richness of the garlic butter beef.

2. Garlic Green Beans

Sautéed green beans with a little garlic and olive oil enhance the dish’s flavors without overpowering them.

3. Cauliflower Mash

For a lower-carb option, creamy cauliflower mash is a perfect substitute for traditional mashed potatoes.

4. Roasted Asparagus

Crispy asparagus with a light seasoning of salt, pepper, and lemon juice adds a fresh contrast to the meal.

5. Fresh Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

6. Dinner Rolls

Soft, warm rolls are great for soaking up the buttery garlic sauce left on the plate.

7. Rice or Quinoa

A side of white rice, brown rice, or quinoa helps absorb the flavorful sauce and adds a hearty element to the meal.

8. Sautéed Mushrooms

Mushrooms cooked in butter and garlic pair well with the beef, adding an extra layer of savory goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Overcrowding the Slow Cooker

Packing too much food into the slow cooker can prevent even cooking. Make sure the beef and potatoes are spread out in an even layer for the best results.

2. Skipping the Seasoning Step

For maximum flavor, evenly season both the beef and potatoes before cooking. Mixing the seasonings well ensures every bite is flavorful.

3. Not Using Enough Butter

The butter creates the rich, silky sauce that coats the beef and potatoes. Reducing the amount of butter can make the dish dry, so be sure to use the full amount listed in the recipe.

4. Lifting the Lid Too Often

Each time you open the lid, heat escapes, increasing the cooking time. Only lift the lid when necessary, such as to check for doneness near the end of cooking.

5. Using the Wrong Cut of Meat

Tough cuts, like beef stew meat or chuck roast, work best for slow cooking. If using sirloin, reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.

6. Forgetting to Spoon Sauce Over the Dish Before Serving

The garlic butter sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker is packed with flavor. Spoon it over the beef and potatoes before serving to enhance the taste and moisture.

7. Not Adjusting Cooking Time for Meat Type

If using cubed sirloin steak instead of stew meat, reduce the cooking time to four hours on high to prevent it from becoming too tough.

8. Not Letting the Beef Rest Before Serving

Letting the beef sit for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

To keep your slow cooker garlic butter beef bites fresh, follow these storage guidelines:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Place cooled beef and potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat slowly to maintain the tenderness of the beef and prevent drying out.

Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet with a small amount of butter or beef broth.
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

For frozen leftovers, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, cubed sirloin steak will cook faster and be more tender. Chuck roast, cut into chunks, is another great option for slow cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Try adding carrots, onions, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?

No, but searing the beef first in a skillet adds a deeper, more caramelized flavor to the dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative like ghee or olive oil.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes. If using stew meat, cook on high for 4 hours instead of low for 6 hours.

What are the best potatoes to use?

Baby Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because they stay creamy and hold their shape well. You can also use red potatoes or small fingerling potatoes.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. You can season the beef and potatoes and store them in the refrigerator overnight in the slow cooker insert. When ready to cook, simply place it in the slow cooker and turn it on.

Conclusion

Slow cooker garlic butter beef bites are an easy, hands-off meal that delivers tender beef, rich garlic butter flavor, and perfectly cooked potatoes. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting family dinner.

With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Pair it with your favorite vegetables, rice, or bread to complete the meal. Try it once, and it may become one of your go-to slow cooker recipes.