Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Comfort Food

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who loves a good home-cooked meal but doesn’t always have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and convenient. This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is a lifesaver! It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic. The inspiration behind this recipe comes from my love of hearty, flavorful meals that are perfect for cozy nights in.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly use pre-cooked beef or frozen potatoes, I encourage you to embrace the freshness and flavor of homemade ingredients whenever possible. This recipe is so simple that there’s really no need for shortcuts. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and richness. We’re talking tender beef, creamy potatoes, and a fragrant garlic butter sauce that ties everything together beautifully. The searing of the beef adds a depth of flavor, while the slow cooking process ensures that the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary create a symphony of flavors that infuse the dish with warmth and complexity.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in this flavor-packed dish:

• Beef Stew Meat: Beef stew meat is ideal for this recipe because it becomes incredibly tender when slow cooked. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect for slow cooking because they hold their shape well and become creamy and flavorful.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a subtle onion flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the dish.
• Dried Thyme and Rosemary: These dried herbs add a touch of earthy and herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sear the beef and adds a healthy dose of fats to the dish.

Equipment

You’ll only need a few basic tools to whip up this easy dish:

• Skillet
• Slow cooker
• Small bowl

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add Potatoes: Add the halved baby potatoes to the slow cooker.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
4. Add Broth and Cook: Add the beef broth to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes warm, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Troubleshooting

• Beef not tender: If the beef is not tender after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking on low for another hour or two, or until it reaches your desired tenderness.
• Potatoes not cooked through: If the potatoes are not cooked through, make sure they are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly. You can also add them to the slow cooker earlier than the beef, as they may take longer to cook.
• Dish too bland: Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of butter and olive oil for searing the beef.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, onions, or mushrooms.
• You can also add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor.
• If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute it with garlic powder.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of sides. It pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~400
• Fat: ~25g
• Cholesterol: ~100mg
• Sodium: ~500mg
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
• Protein: ~30g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Yields: 4 servings

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef that are suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or round roast. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces before searing.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can sear the beef and assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and cook it the next day.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.