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Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes turns out restaurant-quality comfort food with just a few pantry staples and hardly any effort. This is the dish I pull out on wild weeknights when everyone in my house is running in different directions. I love how the beef becomes deeply tender and the potatoes soak up every last bit of that garlicky butter sauce. The best part is walking in at dinnertime to a house that smells like you have been slow simmering all day. Sometimes, this easy crockpot meal feels like my secret weapon for getting everyone back around the table.
I can trace the first time I made this dish to a chilly soccer night with three hungry kids and no time to cook. It amazed me how a few simple steps in the morning led to cheers at dinnertime. Now, this meal is a request at every busy season in our household.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat: I always pick a well-marbled chuck roast cut into bite size pieces because it stays juicy and tender after hours in the crockpot
- Baby Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy centers and tender skins hold shape perfectly so you never get mushy potatoes even after low slow cooking
- Butter: Choose a high quality unsalted butter for the richest sauce and pure flavor
- Fresh garlic: Go for plump whole cloves so your chopped garlic infuses the dish with bold aroma and layers of savory taste
- Onion powder: This adds a sweet mellow base flavor without overpowering the star ingredients
- Garlic powder: Intensifies the overall garlic profile for depth in every bite
- Seasoned salt: Brings balance and complexity by blending salt with a mix of spices so each mouthful pops with flavor
Instructions
- Layer the Meat and Potatoes:
- Arrange your cut stew meat on one side of the crockpot and the baby potatoes on the other side. This trick prevents overcooked potatoes and makes sure your beef gets as tender as possible.
- Season Everything Well:
- Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both the meat and potatoes. This is your essential flavor foundation and makes a world of difference by seasoning each component separately.
- Coat the Beef:
- Gently toss the beef pieces to fully coat in the spices but keep them on their side of the pot. This step ensures all that great seasoning gets into the meat fibers for deeper flavor during the slow cook.
- Add the Garlic:
- Scatter your freshly chopped garlic evenly across both beef and potatoes. I have found that this balance keeps any one bite from being too strong while still letting the garlic sing.
- Distribute the Butter:
- Dot the top of your filled crockpot with pads of butter. Place them carefully so they melt down over everything, naturally combining into a luscious sauce.
- Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for six hours. This timing yields the juiciest beef and perfectly creamy potatoes. Resist the urge to peek or stir early the sealed steam does all the work for you.
- Spoon and Serve:
- When ready, use a large spoon to gently lift beef and potatoes. Always ladle that golden garlic butter sauce up from the bottom and drizzle over every serving.
My favorite part is the golden potatoes I am always looking for a serving with the most melted butter pooled around them Nothing tastes like that soft potato bursting with garlic flavor and creamy sauce It takes me straight back to family dinners when everyone tries to steal an extra potato
Storage Tips
This dish is ideal for leftovers and gets even more flavorful after a night in the fridge. Make sure to cool it completely then store in airtight containers for up to four days. The garlic butter will harden when cold but smooths out perfectly when heated gently. If freezing, pack portions in freezer safe containers with a little air space and enjoy within three months.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out beef stew meat for boneless short ribs or brisket for a more decadent version. If baby potatoes are not available, cut regular Yukon golds into large chunks. For a dairy free option, use a good quality olive oil instead of butter and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for umami flavor.
Serving Suggestions
We love to eat this crockpot garlic butter beef with a big green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are a tasty side for a more balanced meal. Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
This slow cooker meal never fails to impress with its comforting flavors and ease. Enjoy every bite and let the extra garlic butter make your weeknight dinner feel special.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → What pasta shape works best?
Pennoni, rigatoni, or penne all hold the creamy sauce beautifully and offer a pleasant bite.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, sautéed shrimp or air fryer chicken both pair wonderfully to make the meal heartier.
- → How spicy is the sauce?
The flavor is mild and savory, with sweetness from roasted peppers and depth from shallots; add chili flakes for heat.
- → What are good sides for this pasta?
A simple green salad, air fryer broccoli, or garlic bread complement the flavors and provide balance.
- → Do I need to use fresh or jarred red peppers?
Either works, but jarred roasted red peppers save time and still deliver fantastic flavor and texture.