The Memory Behind This Treat
When I think about Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, I’m instantly transported back to chilly winter evenings in my childhood kitchen. My mom had a knack for turning simple ingredients into dishes that felt like a warm hug. She’d often pull out her old crockpot for meals like this, letting the magical aroma of garlic and herbs envelop the house. That comforting scent was better than any doorbell to signal dinner time.
One memory that always makes me smile is the way my siblings and I would hover around the kitchen, eagerly peeking under the crockpot lid. Patience isn’t always a virtue when you’re young and hungry! But the wait was always worth it. As soon as that tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes hit our plates, there was nothing but silence as we savored each buttery bite.
I’ve carried on this tradition with my own family, and every time I make this dish, it’s like passing down a delicious piece of nostalgia. Even if you’re new to using a slow cooker, this recipe is foolproof. Whether you’re having a busy weekday or planning a cozy weekend, these Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. And who knows, maybe it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home too!
How To Make It (Mix & Ingredients)
Creating Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is as simple as it is satisfying, making it a go-to for busy days. Start by ensuring your beef bites are well-seasoned. Pat them dry with paper towels and coat them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. If you have a few extra minutes, searing them in a skillet with olive oil can add a rich depth of flavor, though it’s entirely optional.
Next, prepare the potatoes. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well-coated. This step ensures that every bite of potato is perfectly seasoned and pairs beautifully with the tender beef. For the sauce, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. This blend infuses the dish with aromatic flavors that make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Assemble everything in the slow cooker by layering the seasoned potatoes at the bottom and piling the beef bites on top. Pour the luscious garlic butter sauce over everything, ensuring even coverage. Cover and let the crockpot do its magic on low for 6-8 hours. The result? Fork-tender beef and potatoes ready to be garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra touch of yum. If you’re looking for more cozy meals, you might enjoy trying out a similar approach with my Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Planning ahead can make your weeknight dinners a breeze, and this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is perfect for that. If you’re prepping ahead, you can cut and season the beef and potatoes the night before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Just combine them in the crockpot with the garlic butter sauce when you’re ready to cook. This way, you’ll have a head start on a busy day!
Once cooked, leftovers can be a lifesaver. Store any remaining beef bites and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, you can use the microwave or stove. For the stove, warm them gently over low heat in a pan, adding a splash of beef broth to keep things juicy. This prevents the beef from drying out and ensures the potatoes remain tender.
If you’re thinking of freezing, this dish adapts well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers, keeping in mind to leave some space for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned. It’s a wonderful way to have a comforting, homemade meal on standby for those days when cooking feels like a daunting task.
Best Ingredients & Party Variations
The magic of Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes lies in its simplicity and the quality ingredients that bring it to life. Start with a beef chuck roast or sirloin cut into melt-in-your-mouth 1-inch cubes. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking, transforming into juicy bites without breaking the bank. For the potatoes, I adore using either baby potatoes or Yukon Golds. Their creamy texture perfectly complements the rich, buttery sauce.
Let’s talk flavors! Garlic, thyme, and rosemary create a fragrant, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Using fresh herbs can elevate the dish, but dried ones work beautifully too. Don’t forget the smoked paprika—it adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the beef.
Planning a party? You can easily turn this recipe into a delicious appetizer by serving the beef bites on skewers. For a twist, add baby carrots or mushrooms into the mix for the last couple of hours, adding color and sweetness. Grate some Parmesan cheese on top for a finishing touch that guests will love. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a tangy green salad—perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious garlic butter sauce. For more party-friendly ideas, check out my Slow Cooker French Onion Soup or Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole—both crowd-pleasers!
FAQ’s About Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
How long should beef cook in a crockpot for tenderness?
For the Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes, you’ll want to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. If pressed for time, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, but low and slow is the best way to ensure maximum tenderness. If your beef is still tough, it might need more time, or check if your lid was tightly sealed.
What are some good pairings with garlic butter potatoes?
Garlic butter potatoes pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. A loaf of crusty bread is fantastic to mop up all that delicious buttery sauce. You could also serve it with a tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—you can mix and match sides depending on what you have on hand.
What are common mistakes when cooking beef in a slow cooker?
One common mistake is not searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. While optional, searing locks in flavor and adds a beautiful caramelized crust. Another mistake is lifting the lid too often—each peek releases heat, adding cooking time. Also, ensure your liquid levels are adequate to prevent drying out the meat, especially if cooking on high.
Is it safe to cook steak bites in a crockpot?
Yes, it’s absolutely safe to cook steak bites in a crockpot. The slow, consistent heat cooks the beef safely, reaching the necessary internal temperature. Just make sure to cut your steak into uniform pieces for even cooking. If you’re concerned about safety, ensure your crockpot is functioning correctly and follow the recommended cook times.
Conclusion
Bringing the family together around a meal like Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is one of life’s simple joys. Imagine gathering everyone at the table, the aroma of garlic and butter filling the air, and sharing a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug. This recipe isn’t just about food—it’s about creating cherished memories and those “remember when” moments that last a lifetime.
I truly believe that even if you’re new to the kitchen, this recipe will become one of your go-tos for its ease and satisfying results. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch as your loved ones dig in with smiles and full hearts.
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Comforting Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Total Time: 380
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Hearty and comforting, this set-it-and-forget-it dish is perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck roast or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
1.5 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or quartered if large
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat beef bites dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef bites in batches for 1-2 minutes per side (optional).
3. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Place seasoned potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker.
6. Layer beef bites over the potatoes.
7. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over everything.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until beef and potatoes are fork-tender.
9. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
10. Serve warm.
Notes
No slow cooker? Use an Instant Pot’s slow cooker function.
Add vegetables like carrots or green beans during the last 1-2 hours.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg