Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a delightful dish that perfectly blends tenderness and flavor. This hearty recipe features juicy beef bites and baby potatoes bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Its comforting qualities and mouthwatering aroma will surely impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, herbs, and butter creates an irresistible sauce that enhances the beef and potatoes.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a main course or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in, everyone loves this hearty dish.
Tools and Preparation
To make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, having the right tools can make the process smoother. Here are some essential tools you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for tender meat by cooking low and slow, enhancing flavors.
- Skillet: Perfect for searing beef bites to lock in juices before slow cooking.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients to prepare the garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef bites and flavorful baby potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce.
For the Beef Bites
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
For the Potatoes
- 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.)
- 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
For Searing
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all ingredients. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
Step 2: Optional – Parboil Potatoes
You can parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create your garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Combine in Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, place halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour garlic butter sauce over everything and add beef broth.
Step 6: Cook
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let your dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Serving Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a delightful experience. The rich flavors of the dish can be complemented by various accompaniments that enhance the meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Thyme sprigs – Add whole thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch.
With Grains
- Rice – Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Quinoa – A nutritious alternative that pairs well with the beef and potatoes.
With Vegetables
- Steamed broccoli – A light side that balances the richness of the beef bites.
- Roasted carrots – Their sweetness complements the savory flavors of the dish.
With Bread
- Crusty bread – Perfect for mopping up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
- Dinner rolls – Soft and warm rolls make a comforting addition to your meal.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
To make your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose quality beef – Use high-quality stew meat for tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t skip searing – Browning the beef adds depth to the overall taste.
- Adjust seasoning – Feel free to tweak spices according to your preference for heat or flavor.
- Let it rest – Allowing the dish to sit before serving enhances its flavors and makes it easier to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Beef Bites can elevate your meal. Here are some wonderful options to consider.
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice that complements the garlic butter flavors beautifully.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and satisfying pairing.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw offers a nice textural contrast and brightens up the plate.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brings a pop of flavor and sweetness to balance the savory beef bites.
- Green Beans Almondine – Lightly sautéed green beans topped with almonds add elegance and crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not Cutting Beef Evenly: If the beef is not cut into uniform pieces, cooking will be uneven. Make sure all pieces are similar in size for consistent cooking.
- Skipping Seasoning: Failing to properly season the beef and potatoes can result in bland bites. Use salt and spices generously to enhance flavors.
- Overcooking or Undercooking: Be mindful of cooking times. Overcooking can make beef tough, while undercooking leaves it chewy. Follow recommended cooking times closely.
- Neglecting the Garlic Butter Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is key to this dish’s flavor. Don’t rush this step; let the garlic infuse completely in the butter for maximum taste.
- Forgetting to Rest the Dish: Allowing your dish to rest after cooking lets flavors meld and improves texture. Always let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place beef bites and potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with chicken or pork. Adjust cooking times as necessary for different meats.
How do I make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes spicier?
To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the garlic butter sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the slow cooker step and refrigerate it overnight before cooking.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
Serve these bites alongside steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are an incredibly comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. The recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices according to your taste. Give it a try—your family will love it!
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a mouthwatering dish that blends tender beef and baby potatoes in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor with every bite. The juicy beef bites are seared to perfection before slow cooking alongside halved baby potatoes, absorbing the delicious garlic-infused sauce. With minimal prep time and effortless slow cooking, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy meals at home. Impress your guests with this hearty recipe that promises to be a hit at any table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
- (Optional) Parboil the potatoes for a few minutes until slightly soft.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- In a slow cooker, place halved potatoes and seared beef; pour the garlic butter sauce over them along with beef broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
