These crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes are a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth meal that suits any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef and buttery potatoes creates a satisfying experience that will impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for those busy days.
- Rich Flavor: The garlic butter sauce infuses the beef and potatoes with an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a hearty dinner or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete feast.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will enjoy the tender beef and flavorful potatoes, making it a hit for family dinners.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it! Let your crockpot do all the work while you enjoy your day.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool is key for achieving tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes without constant monitoring.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space to chop ingredients efficiently.
- Sharp knife: Using a sharp knife makes cutting meat and vegetables easier and safer, ensuring clean cuts.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
For the Potatoes
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
For Cooking
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads
How to Make crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Place beef stew meat in one half of the crockpot.
- Add baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other side of the crockpot.
Step 2: Season the Meat and Potatoes
- Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt evenly over both sides.
- Gently toss the beef to coat it evenly in the seasoning while keeping it separated from the potatoes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
- Distribute chopped garlic on top of both the meat and potatoes.
- Place butter pads over the entire dish to ensure rich flavor throughout.
Step 4: Cook in the Crockpot
- Cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Cook on low for 6 hours until everything is tender.
Step 5: Serve Your Dish
- Once cooking is complete, spoon the garlic butter sauce from the bottom over both beef and potatoes before serving hot.
- Enjoy your delicious crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes!
How to Serve crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes
These crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes make for a hearty and comforting meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme for an aromatic touch.
Over Rice
- Steamed White Rice: Serve the beef and potatoes over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, use brown rice that adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: Pair your meal with slices of sourdough bread to dip into the delicious sauce.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully.
As Tacos
- Soft Flour Tortillas: Use the beef and potatoes as a filling in soft tortillas for tasty tacos, topped with avocado and salsa.
- Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, corn tortillas work well and add authenticity.
How to Perfect crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes
To elevate your crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Meat: Choose good-quality beef stew meat for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Ensure you evenly distribute seasonings for maximum flavor throughout the dish.
- Layer Ingredients Wisely: Keep the beef and potatoes separated initially to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your crockpot, you may need to reduce or increase cooking time slightly; check for tenderness at 5 hours.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding carrots or green beans for extra nutrition and variety.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Best Side Dishes for crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes
Pair your delicious crockpot garlic butter beef bites with these fantastic side dishes for a complete meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds a healthy crunch and bright color to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of corn complements the savory beef nicely.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw provides crunch and balances the richness of the dish.
- Mashed Cauliflower: A low-carb alternative that is creamy and pairs well with the beef.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor adds depth to your meal while being easy to prepare.
- Garden Salad: A simple side salad can lighten up the meal while providing fresh flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you should avoid.
- Overcrowding the crockpot: If you add too much meat or potatoes, they may not cook evenly. Make sure to allow enough space for heat circulation.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the beef and potatoes can result in bland flavors. Always sprinkle your spices evenly for a delicious outcome.
- Not following the cooking time: Cooking for less or more than recommended can affect texture. Stick to the 6-hour low setting for best results.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold meat and potatoes can increase cooking time. Let ingredients sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Neglecting to stir: Stirring occasionally helps distribute flavors. Even though it’s a crockpot meal, give it a gentle stir halfway through cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the dish fresh.
Freezing crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe containers in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between sessions.
- Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes that you might find helpful.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use any small potatoes like red or fingerling varieties. They will cook similarly and absorb great flavors!
How do I enhance the flavor of my crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes?
Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs added at the end can also brighten the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge overnight. Just set it up in the crockpot in the morning and let it cook.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve these beef bites with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Final Thoughts
These crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes are not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is versatile—feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that delights everyone at your table!
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Indulge in the comforting flavors of crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes. This effortless slow-cooked meal combines tender beef stew meat and buttery Yukon gold potatoes, all infused with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish requires only 10 minutes of prep time and lets your crockpot do the work. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and savory taste, it’s sure to delight your family and friends. Serve it over rice, alongside crusty bread, or even as a filling for tacos for a versatile dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Instructions
- Place beef stew meat in one half of the crockpot and add baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other side.
- Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both ingredients; toss gently to coat.
- Distribute chopped garlic on top and place butter pads over the entire dish.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until tender.
- Serve hot, spooning the garlic butter sauce over both beef and potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
