This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe gives you tender, garlicky beef and soft, flavorful potatoes with almost no hands-on time. The meat melts in your mouth and the butter-garlic aroma fills the kitchen while the potatoes soak up the rich broth. If you like slow-cooked one-pot meals, you can compare flavors with this slow-cooker garlic butter beef and potatoes for extra ideas.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes (low) OR 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving; based on 4 servings)
- Calories per serving: 790 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 49 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Why Make This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, turning cubed beef into tender bites that soak up a buttery garlic sauce. The potatoes become soft and creamy and pick up beefy, savory flavors. The smell of garlic and butter will make your whole home feel warm and inviting. It is simple, forgiving, and fills the house with rich, comforting flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
This recipe keeps things easy: brown-free prep, a quick stovetop garlic butter step, then slow cooking. The long, low heat helps the connective tissue in the beef break down so each bite is tender. The garlic butter flavors the broth and potatoes as they cook. Use a timer and let the crockpot do the work while you relax.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef bites (cubed beef)
- 4 medium potatoes (cubed)
- 1/2 cup garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Place the beef bites and cubed potatoes in the crockpot in an even layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sautéing Garlic and Onion
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Mixing the Sauce
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the crockpot. Add the 2 cups of beef broth. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stir gently to combine all ingredients so flavors distribute.
Step 4: Slow Cooking
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft. Taste and adjust seasoning near the end of cooking.
Step 5: Finishing and Garnishing
Serve the beef and potatoes hot. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each serving for color and a fresh herbal note. Optionally drizzle a little melted butter for extra shine.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Serve this dish straight from the crockpot for a rustic family-style meal. It pairs well with:
- A simple green salad for brightness
- Steamed green beans or roasted carrots for color and crunch
- Crusty bread to soak up the buttery broth
For a dinner party, spoon the beef and potatoes over creamy mashed cauliflower or buttered egg noodles to dress it up.
How to Store Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 1-minute bursts until heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent drying the beef.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Cut beef into even pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
- For richer flavor, brown the beef cubes in a hot pan before adding to the crockpot (optional).
- Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for creamier texture; russets will break down more.
- Taste the broth near the end and adjust salt — beef broth brands vary widely in sodium.
- If the sauce is thin at the end, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the crockpot. Cook on high for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for depth.
- Fresh parsley at the end brightens the rich garlic butter flavors.
Delicious Variations
- Mushroom & Thyme: Add sliced mushrooms and 1 teaspoon dried thyme in step 3.
- Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic for heat.
- Slow-Braised Veg Mix: Add carrots and parsnips along with potatoes for a heartier one-pot meal.
- Lighter Option: Use 4 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil instead of 1/2 cup butter; use low-sodium beef broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen beef bites?
Yes. You can use frozen beef bites, but increase the cooking time and ensure the beef reaches fork-tender softness. It’s better to add a bit more cook time and check doneness. If using frozen, cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for 4–5 hours. -
Do I need to brown the beef first?
No, browning is optional. Browning adds extra flavor and a deeper color, but the crockpot will still yield tender, flavorful beef without browning. -
What potatoes work best in the crockpot?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape and get creamy. Russets will become very soft and may break apart, which can be good if you like a thicker sauce. -
How do I keep the potatoes from falling apart?
Cut potatoes into even, larger chunks and avoid overcooking. Check doneness at the lower end of the suggested time range. Use higher-heat only if needed to finish. -
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Brown the beef, add garlic and onion, add potatoes and broth, then simmer covered until beef and potatoes are tender (about 1–1.5 hours). Stir occasionally and adjust liquid as needed. -
How can I reduce the sodium?
Use low-sodium beef broth and taste before adding extra salt. You can also dilute regular broth with water. -
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes. Cool fully, pack in freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe is a cozy, hands-off meal that delivers rich garlic butter flavor and tender beef with soft, savory potatoes. It’s easy to adapt, stores well, and makes a great family dinner or meal-prep option. For another take and extra serving ideas, see Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – KJ and Company. Enjoy cooking — your slow cooker will reward you with comforting, flavorful results.
Print
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Tender, garlicky beef and soft, flavorful potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef bites (cubed beef)
- 4 medium potatoes (cubed)
- 1/2 cup garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the beef bites and cubed potatoes in the crockpot in an even layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the beef and potatoes in the crockpot. Add the beef broth and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and optionally drizzled with melted butter.
Notes
For richer flavor, consider browning the beef cubes before adding to the crockpot. Optional: Add Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 790
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
