Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. Crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes deliver that exact feeling. It’s a simple, hearty dish that turns everyday ingredients into something the whole family will love.
This meal brings together tender chunks of beef, buttery potatoes, and rich garlic flavor in a slow cooker. It’s hands-off, low effort, and packed with taste.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is ideal for busy days. Just add everything to the crockpot and let it do its job. The beef becomes tender over hours, and the potatoes soak in all the garlic butter flavor. It tastes like something from a restaurant but made right at home.
You don’t need fancy ingredients. The main components are:
- Beef stew meat
- Baby Yukon gold potatoes
- Garlic (fresh and powdered)
- Onion powder
- Seasoned salt
- Butter
Everything gets tossed together and slowly cooked until it’s fall-apart delicious.
Ingredients Breakdown
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled cuts for best results.
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These hold their shape well and have a natural creamy taste.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: Brings balance to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic: This is where the bold garlic flavor comes from.
- 5 tablespoons butter: Spread in pads across the top to melt evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Add beef and potatoes to the slow cooker
Place the beef on one half and the potatoes on the other. No need to pre-cook.
2. Season generously
Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both beef and potatoes.
3. Toss the beef
Mix the beef gently to help the seasonings coat evenly.
4. Add fresh garlic
Scatter the chopped garlic across the top.
5. Place butter pads
Distribute the butter evenly over the beef and potatoes.
6. Cover and cook
Cook on low for 6 hours. No stirring needed.
7. Serve with sauce
Use a spoon to drizzle the garlic butter from the bottom over each serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t over-stir: Let the layers cook undisturbed.
- Use real butter: For rich taste, skip margarine.
- Cut even potato sizes: This ensures they cook evenly.
- Add herbs at the end: A sprinkle of parsley or thyme adds color and freshness.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to switch things up? Here are some simple tweaks:
| Add-In | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Carrots | Adds natural sweetness |
| Mushrooms | Soaks up the garlic butter |
| Green beans | Extra color and crunch |
| Red pepper flakes | A touch of heat |
| Smoked paprika | Adds a hint of smokiness |
Storage & Leftovers
This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
You can also freeze it. Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Why Families Love It
- Kid-friendly: Soft textures, buttery taste, and simple flavors make it a hit with picky eaters.
- No mess: Everything cooks in one pot. Cleanup is easy.
- Filling: The mix of meat and potatoes is satisfying and keeps everyone full.
- Budget smart: Uses affordable ingredients.
Serving Ideas
Here are a few ways to round out your meal:
- Serve with warm rolls or crusty bread
- Add a side salad for freshness
- Top with shredded cheese for extra richness
- Pair with a simple steamed vegetable like broccoli or green beans
Final Thoughts
Crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes make a great go-to recipe when you want something easy and delicious. It doesn’t need a lot of prep or fancy techniques. You set it, forget it, and come back to a hearty meal that smells amazing and tastes even better.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just want something comforting after a long day, this dish fits the bill. Once you try it, it might just become a regular on your meal rotation.
Enjoy every buttery bite!
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat choose well-marbled cuts
- 1.5 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- 5 tbsp butter cut into pads
Instructions
- Place the beef on one side of the slow cooker and the potatoes on the other side. No need to pre-cook.
- Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both the beef and the potatoes.
- Gently toss the beef to coat with the seasonings.
- Scatter the chopped garlic evenly over the top of the beef and potatoes.
- Distribute the butter pads evenly across the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Do not stir during cooking.
- When ready to serve, spoon servings and drizzle garlic butter from the bottom of the crockpot over the top.