PERFECT SLOW COOKER GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES WITH POTATOES

Craving a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that requires minimal effort? Imagine tender beef bites and perfectly cooked potatoes swimming in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites With Potatoes recipe delivers exactly that – a hearty, flavorful meal that’s practically hands-off and guaranteed to become a family favorite, so let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Beef Bites:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry)

For the Potatoes:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Let’s Talk Beef: Choosing the Right Cut

Okay, friend, let’s get real about the beef. Chuck roast is your best bet for this recipe. Why? Because it’s got enough fat marbling to become incredibly tender and juicy during that slow cooking process. Other cuts, like sirloin, might get a little tough. Trust me on this one! You could also try using stew meat, which is usually already cubed and ready to go, saving you some prep time. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat.

Prepping Like a Pro: Tips for Success

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s cover a few tricks that will make your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites With Potatoes truly exceptional. First, don’t skip the searing! Searing the beef bites before they go into the slow cooker creates a beautiful crust and locks in all those delicious juices. And speaking of juices, don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. Work in batches to ensure each piece gets a good sear. Also, when you are prepping your ingredients, make sure you’ve got everything measured out and ready to go. This is called “mise en place” in the culinary world, and it makes cooking so much smoother!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.

Making the Magic Sauce:

2. Garlic Butter Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add Flavor: Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.

Slow Cooking to Perfection:

5. Layer the Ingredients: Place potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seared beef bites on top of the potatoes.
6. Pour the Sauce: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef and potatoes, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
7. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.

Finishing Touches:

8. Serve: Once cooked, give everything a good stir. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

• Sauce Too Thin? If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can always add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Beef Not Tender Enough? If your beef is still a bit tough after the recommended cooking time, just let it cook longer! Every slow cooker is different, and sometimes it just takes a little extra time for the beef to break down and become super tender.
• Potatoes Overcooked? To avoid mushy potatoes, make sure you cut them into uniform sizes. Also, if you’re cooking on high, keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t get too soft.

Flavor Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

This recipe is fantastic as is, but don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Add Veggies: Throw in some chopped carrots, onions, or celery along with the potatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheese Please: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy, gooey delight.
• Wine Time: Add a splash of red wine to the garlic butter sauce for a richer, more complex flavor.

You might also enjoy other easy weeknight recipes. Have you ever tried Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops? Or perhaps Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef for a quick and satisfying meal? If you’re looking for something with chicken and potatoes, Garlic Parmesan Potato Chicken! could be the perfect choice.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites With Potatoes are a complete meal on their own, but if you’re looking to round things out, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and potatoes.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious additions.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that amazing garlic butter sauce.

For another potato-centric meal, you might want to try Crockpot Chicken Potato Perfection, or for something comforting on a cold day, there’s always Creamy Potato Soup. If you love mashed potatoes, you’ll be hooked on Meatloaf Mashed Potatoeseer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites With Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low heat for a couple of hours.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Effortless Feast!

There you have it – a ridiculously easy and incredibly delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites With Potatoes recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I hope you and your family enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!