Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of tender, juicy beef and perfectly cooked potatoes, infused with the irresistible flavors of garlic and butter. That’s the magic of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.
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The Beauty of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is the secret weapon of home chefs everywhere. By allowing the ingredients to meld together over several hours, this method creates incredibly tender and flavorful dishes that simply can’t be replicated with quicker cooking techniques. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming even the toughest cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Plus, the hands-off nature of slow cooking means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying quality time with family and friends.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 5 tablespoons butter, sliced into pats
- 1 pound baby yellow potatoes (halved if large)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. The beef stew meat becomes meltingly tender after hours of slow cooking, while the baby potatoes soak up all the delicious garlic butter goodness. The aromatic spices and fresh garlic add depth and complexity, making this dish a true delight for the senses.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe couldn’t be easier. Simply follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to serve in no time:
- Prep Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non‑stick spray.
- Add Meat & Seasonings: Place the beef stew meat on one side of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Add chopped garlic over top.
- Add Potatoes: Arrange the baby potatoes on the other side of the slow cooker so meat and potatoes are somewhat separate.
- Add Butter: Lay the slices of butter evenly over both the meat and the potatoes.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6‑8 hours (or on HIGH for ~3‑4 hours) until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Serve: Gently stir everything together, then spoon onto plates and serve hot.
The beauty of this recipe is that the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a delicious, hassle-free meal that’s sure to impress. Just be sure to allow enough time for the beef and potatoes to cook to perfection, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly mouthwatering dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a fresh, crisp salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the beef and potatoes. For a heartier meal, crusty bread or a side of buttery garlic mashed potatoes would be the perfect accompaniment. And don’t forget to pour a glass of your favorite red wine or a refreshing iced tea to complete the dining experience.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes dish contains approximately 475 calories, 32 grams of protein, 26 grams of fat, and 33 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a well-balanced meal that provides a satisfying blend of nutrients to keep you feeling energized and satisfied. For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free seasoned salt blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen beef stew meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat in this recipe. However, it’s important to note that using frozen meat may extend the cooking time. If you are using a slow cooker, you can add the frozen beef directly to the pot without thawing. Just ensure that you cook it on the LOW setting for about 8-10 hours or the HIGH setting for 4-6 hours to ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature and tenderness.
What type of slow cooker works best for this recipe?
A standard 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, as it provides enough space for the beef and potatoes to cook evenly. If you have a smaller slow cooker (around 4 quarts), you may want to reduce the ingredients slightly to avoid overcrowding. Additionally, a programmable slow cooker that allows you to set cooking times can be very helpful to ensure your meal is ready when you need it.
Can I prepare this dish the night before and cook it in the morning?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before to save time in the morning. Chop the potatoes and season the beef, then place everything in the slow cooker insert. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply take the insert out of the fridge, set it in the slow cooker base, and start cooking. Ensure that the slow cooker is warmed up before adding cold ingredients for the best results.
How can I enhance the flavor of the dish without adding too many calories?
There are several ways to enhance the flavor without adding many calories. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh flavor boost. Additionally, incorporating a splash of low-sodium beef broth or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavor profile. You can also experiment with spices such as paprika or black pepper to add complexity while keeping the dish healthy.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Creamy Garlic Sauce Over Perfectly Grilled Steak
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
- Baked Garlic Butter Potatoes
- Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast
The Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its easy preparation and irresistible aroma, this recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Enjoy the tender beef, buttery potatoes, and garlic-infused goodness in every bite!
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Experience the Comfort of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its easy preparation and irresistible aroma, this recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Enjoy the tender beef, buttery potatoes, and garlic-infused goodness in every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 pound beef stew meat
- 5 tablespoon butter, sliced into pats
- 1 pound baby yellow potatoes, halved if large
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 2 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
1. Prep Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non‑stick spray.
2. Add Meat & Seasonings: Place the beef stew meat on one side of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Add chopped garlic over top.
3. Add Potatoes: Arrange the baby potatoes on the other side of the slow cooker so meat and potatoes are somewhat separate.
4. Add Butter: Lay the slices of butter evenly over both the meat and the potatoes.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6‑8 hours (or on HIGH for ~3‑4 hours) until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Serve: Gently stir everything together, then spoon onto plates and serve hot.
Notes
This recipe can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free seasoned salt blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg