Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy, mouthwatering meal that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is one of those recipes that brings everyone together around the dinner table. The tender beef bites simmer in a rich garlic butter sauce, and when paired with flavorful baby potatoes, it becomes a dish that’s not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying.

I love making this recipe for busy weeknights or during family gatherings. It’s simple enough to whip up after a long day yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Trust me, once you try these Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, they’ll become a favorite in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few steps, this comforting dish comes together effortlessly.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves tender beef and savory potatoes; it’s a sure hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for slow cooking, simply set it and forget it until you’re ready to eat.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of garlic butter and spices creates an irresistible taste that will have your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that delightful garlic butter flavor we all crave.

For the Beef and Potatoes

• 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
• 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted for the garlic butter sauce.)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning.)

For Cooking

• 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own by trying out these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Instead of beef stew meat, try using chicken or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Change up the veggies: Toss in some carrots or green beans for added color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve those baby potatoes so they cook evenly. This initial prep makes everything easier as you move along!

Step 2: Sear the Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil and sear those beef bites until they are browned on all sides. Searing locks in flavors and gives them that lovely golden crust we all adore.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these together creates an aromatic sauce that will coat the beef and potatoes beautifully.

Step 4: Slow Cook Everything Together

In your slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes first followed by the seared beef bites. Pour that luscious garlic butter sauce over everything and add in some beef broth to keep things moist as they cook.

Step 5: Let It Cook!

Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s done cooking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps all those delicious flavors meld together even more! Now gather around with your loved ones and enjoy every bite of this comforting dish.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best version of this comforting dish!

• Select Quality Beef: Using high-quality beef stew meat ensures tenderness and flavor. Look for cuts with good marbling for the best results.
• Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker locks in juices and creates a beautiful brown crust that adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or spices. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten up the dish.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your slow cooker’s efficiency, you might need to adjust cooking times. Check for fork-tenderness around the suggested time for perfect results.
• Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for leftovers.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Serving this dish is all about creating an inviting atmosphere at your dinner table. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich garlic butter sauce.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon over the finished dish gives a lovely zesty contrast to the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

• Steamed green beans: The crispness of steamed green beans provides a nice textural contrast and adds a healthy element to your plate.
• Garlic bread: This classic side complements the garlic butter flavor in the main dish, perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce.
• Garden salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing balance to the heartiness of the beef bites.
• Creamy mashed potatoes: For an extra indulgent twist, serve creamy mashed potatoes on the side. They pair beautifully with the garlic butter sauce and create a comforting meal.

Enjoy your delightful Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, sharing warmth and comfort with loved ones around your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, ensuring you have a delicious, hearty meal ready to go whenever you’re hungry.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Once cooled, portion the beef bites and potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short increments until hot, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes!

Can I use other cuts of beef for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?

Yes! While stew meat is great for this recipe due to its tenderness when cooked slowly, you can also use sirloin or chuck steak cut into bite-sized pieces.

How do I achieve tender beef bites in Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?

To ensure tender beef bites, sear them first before slow cooking. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Cooking them low and slow is key!

Can I add vegetables to Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, green beans, or even mushrooms. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?

These bites are delicious on their own but pair well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up that rich garlic butter sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting dish as much as I love sharing it with you! The combination of tender beef and flavorful baby potatoes all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce makes it truly special. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these Garlic Butter Beef Bites will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!