Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is one of those meals that feels like a hug . It’s got small chunks of beef and big potatoes that soak up all the flаvor . This works great when you’re busy or got people over . You dont need to be some fancy chef , you just toss stuff in and let the slow cooker do the rest . In the end every thing comes out as a tasty meаl .
One big plus of a slow cooker is that it turns tough meat into soft bites . As the beef cooks low and slow the collagen breaks down and makes the meat almost melt in your mouth . Then theres the gаrlic butter that sinks into the beef and potatoes , giving it a deep taste youll love .
Also it’s super easy to prep so even a new cook wont mess it up . You barely do any work and then just forget about it while it cooks . By dinner time youll have hot food without any stress . If you need to feed a bunch of folks or just make extra for lunch next day , this recipe wont disappoint .
Why Using a Slow Cooker is Awesome
Making food in a slow cooker has a lot of good points that make cooking fun and easy . First off , its crazy convenient . You set it up in the morning and then walk away . When you come back you have a hot dinner waiting .
Second , the flаvor gets better over time . All the spices and herbs mix together slowly and really sink into the meat and veggies , so everything tastes richer .
Maybe the best part is tenderness . Tough cuts like chuck get soft as the collagen breaks down and you get bites that are easy to chew . Every mouthful feels like butter .
Ingredients You Need for This Dish
Here is every thing you need to make this tasty meаl , plus some ideas for swaps if you dont have something :
- Beef Bites: About 2 pounds of chuck or sirloin , cut into chunks so they cook evenly .
- Potatoes: Near 1 pound of baby spuds or Russets , whichever you got on hand .
- Garlic: A couple cloves of fresh gаrlic , minced . You can use garlic powder if you are out .
- Butter: A stick of unsalted butter , to keep the salt in your hands .
- Seasonings: Salt , pepper , thyme and parsley . You can start with 1 teaspoon of each , then taste .
You can also throw in chopped onions or other veggies like carrots or beans if you want . It makes it even more colorful .
How to Cook It
- Get Every thing Ready:
- Cut the beef into small chunks so they cook at the same speed .
- Wash the potatoes . If they are little ones you can leave them whole or cut in half . If you use big potatoes , peel and chop them .
- Chop or press the gаrlic so it can spread its taste .
- Sear the Beef (Optional):
For more taste , heat a bit of oil in a pan and brown the meat for 4 or 5 minutes . This makes a nice crust .
- Layer in the Cooker:
Put the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker . In a bowl mix melted butter , garlic , salt , pepper , thyme and parsley . Pour this mix over every thing .
- Cook:
Put the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours . Low heat makes it more tender .
- Final Touch:
Check if it’s done 30 minutes before serving . If its too runny , stir together a bit of starch and water , add it and cook 15 more minutes .
Serving Ideas
This dish goes well with a green salad for some freshness , or with warm bread to soak up the juices .
- Pairing: A simple salad adds crunch . Or get some crusty bread to mop up the sauce .
- Top it off: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top , or a little lemon juice . Cheese fans can grate Parmesan .
How to Store and Reheat
If youve got leftovers let them cool and put them in airtight boxes . They keep in the fridge for 3 or 4 days , or freeze for up to 3 months .
- To Store: Cool it down then pack in a sealed container . Chill for up to 4 days or freeze .
- To Reheat: Warm in microwave with a damp paper towel on top so it stays moist . Or use the slow cooker on low .
Fixing Common Problems
Even with good recipes things can go wrong sometimes . Here some easy fixes :
- Meаt is still tough: Let it cook longer , check the heat is right and give it extra time .
- Potatoes turn to mush: Try adding them later in the cooking so they dont fall apart .
- Not tasty enough: Add more salt , pepper or herbs near the end . Fresh herbs help a lot .
Ways to Change It Up
You can tweak this recipe to do different diets or add flavors you like .
Dietary Adjustments
- Gluten-Free: Check labels on every thing , especially broth , so no gluten sneaks in .
- Low-Carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets and you keep the feel without the carbs .
Flavor Enhancements
- Extra Spices: Try smoked paprika or rosemary . A dash of Worcestershire sauce can boost the taste too .
- More Veggies: Add carrots , green beans or bell peppers for color and good stuff from veggies .
FAQs
- How long do the beef bites cook? On low heat it takes 6 to 8 hours ; on high 3 to 4 hours .
- Can I start with frozen beef? You can , but it will need extra time . Thawing first is better .
- How do I check if the beef is done? It should pull apart easily with a fork . You can also use a meat thermometer if you want .
- Which potatoes are best? Baby potatoes or Russets work well ; they hold their shape .
- Can I add more veggies? Sure , carrots , green beans or anything you like . Just watch the cooking time .
Wrap Up
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a filling and cozy dish that shines because you just set it and forget it . You get a lot of flavor without much work . Try it out and share with family or friеnds . Theyll thank you .
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 large frying pan optional, for browning beef
- 1 serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by prepping your ingredients. Peel and quarter the potatoes, and dice the onion. Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces if not already done.
- Optional: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt ¼ cup of the butter. Add the beef bites and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef (or raw beef if skipping browning), quartered potatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the beef broth over the mixture in the slow cooker and add the remaining butter (¼ cup) cut into small pieces on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
