Name: Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 pound Baby potatoes, halved for even cooking; 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Onion powder; 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika; 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme; 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary; 0.5 teaspoon Salt, or to taste; 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper; 0.25 cup Beef broth; 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe with you because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Tender, juicy beef bites mingle effortlessly with soft, flavorful baby potatoes, all swimming in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s bursting with herbs and smoky notes. Every time I make this dish, it fills my kitchen with the coziest aromas and never fails to bring smiles around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe

What truly sets this recipe apart for me is that magical blend of deep flavors and comforting textures. The beef becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking, soaking up the luscious garlic butter sauce along with the hints of smoked paprika and fragrant herbs. The baby potatoes provide the perfect contrast with their velvety softness and subtle earthiness, which perfectly balances each bite. I love how the garlic is fresh and vibrant without overpowering everything else – it’s just the right amount of garlicky goodness.

Besides being absolutely delicious, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, which makes it one of my go-to meals for busy days or when I want to impress without fuss. You just do a quick sear on the beef, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax or get on with your day. It’s ideal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even cozy weekend lunches. Honestly, I think what makes it stand out is how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that feels special every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small, red meat cubes piled on a white marbled surface, with some light marbling of fat visible in the meat. To the left side, there is a large knife with a black handle lying flat next to the meat cubes. On the right side at the top, there are a few slices of thin, pinkish meat strips. The overall colors are shades of red and pink from the meat over the white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward but packed with flavor. Each one plays a crucial role, from the juicy beef stew meat giving richness and protein, to the tiny baby potatoes adding comfort and bite. The garlic butter sauce combines herbs and spices that pull everything together beautifully while keeping the texture silky and indulgent.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Beef stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces so every piece is tender and easy to eat.
Baby potatoes: Halved for even cooking and a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Unsalted butter: Melted to create the rich garlic butter base without adding extra saltiness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds vibrant flavor and aroma that’s essential here.
Onion powder: Gives a subtle savory depth that complements the garlic beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness that enhances the overall warmth of the dish.
Dried thyme: Brings an herby earthiness that pairs perfectly with both beef and potatoes.
Dried rosemary: Provides a fragrant, pine-like touch that elevates the flavor profile.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to perfectly balance all flavors.
Beef broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses richness during slow cooking.
Olive oil: Used to sear the beef for that delightful caramelized crust.

Directions

Step 1: Start by gathering all your ingredients and cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces for easier cooking and serving. Also, halve the baby potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and absorb more flavor.

Step 2: If you want extra tender potatoes, parboil them for a few minutes in boiling water. This step is optional but really helps speed up the cooking and guarantee soft, creamy potatoes at the end.

Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef bites and sear them until they develop a beautiful brown crust on all sides. This not only locks in juices but also creates incredible flavor through caramelization.

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. This is your garlicky, herb-infused butter sauce that’s going to make the dish pop!

Step 5: Layer the halved baby potatoes and seared beef into your slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over everything, then add the beef broth to keep the meat and potatoes wonderfully moist.

Step 6: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft. The slow cooking solidifies the flavors and gives you that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 7: Once done, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite extra juicy and flavorful.

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe serves 4 people generously, perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. The prep time is around 15 minutes, which mostly includes cutting and mixing ingredients. The slow cooker does most of the work with a cook time of 6 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high, so plan accordingly. The total time including resting is just over 6 hours, but the hands-on time is minimal, making it perfect for a day when you want to come home to an amazing meal already cooked.

How to Serve This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe

In a large black pan, there are many pieces of browned beef cubes mixed with golden, crispy potato chunks. The beef pieces have a seared texture with some pink in the middle, and the potatoes show a mix of soft yellow and darker crispy edges. Small bits of chopped green herbs are sprinkled evenly on top, adding a fresh touch. A wooden spoon is resting on the right side of the pan, partly covered by the food. The pan handle is visible, and the pan sits on a white marbled surface with a few green herb leaves around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dish piping hot straight from the slow cooker, which keeps everything warm and comforting. It’s fabulous on its own, but I often add a fresh green salad or some steamed broccoli for a pop of color and a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the beef and butter sauce. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or carrots also pair wonderfully if you want more variety on your plate.

For presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top to add a burst of color and fresh aroma. A light dusting of smoked paprika on the serving plate edges can also make it look that much more inviting. I serve portions so that each plate has a good amount of beef and potatoes along with a bit of the luscious sauce spooned over everything.

When it comes to drinks, I enjoy pairing this dish with a medium-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot which complements the smoky and buttery flavors perfectly. If wine isn’t your thing, a crisp apple cider or even a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works beautifully for a refreshing contrast. This meal is wonderful for weeknight dinners, cozy Sunday lunches, or even small dinner parties where you want an impressive yet easy-to-make dish.

Variations

If you want to play around with this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe, I suggest trying different herbs like oregano or basil for a twist on the flavor profile. For a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce can bring a lovely spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.

If you’re looking for dietary modifications, you can easily make this gluten-free by checking that all your spices and broth are gluten-free (many are naturally, but labels vary). For a vegan alternative, swap the beef for hearty mushrooms or firm tofu, and replace the butter with a plant-based version or olive oil to keep the richness.

Another fun twist is to cook the beef and potatoes on the stovetop in a covered pan if you don’t have a slow cooker. Just keep the heat low and let it simmer gently until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This method takes about 1.5 to 2 hours but still yields excellent results.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerating them within two hours of cooking. They will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days. Using sealable glass containers is my favorite because they preserve freshness and don’t hold onto odors. Just make sure the food has cooled down before sealing to avoid condensation inside.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well, which is great for meal prep. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To avoid freezer burn, remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best flavor and texture when reheating, I gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to keep things moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel but be careful not to overcook, as the beef can dry out. Oven reheating at 325°F (160°C) in a covered dish also works beautifully for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes or even sirloin tips. Just remember that tougher cuts need longer cooking times to become tender.

Is it necessary to parboil the baby potatoes?

Parboiling is optional but highly recommended, especially if you want the potatoes to be extra soft and cooked evenly. If you skip this step, just make sure your potato pieces are small and cook the dish a bit longer.

Can this recipe be made on the stove instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer everything in a large pot or covered skillet on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally and add broth if it starts to dry out.

How garlicky is this dish? Can I adjust the garlic amount?

This recipe has a pleasant garlic flavor that’s noticeable but not overpowering. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two. Conversely, use less if you prefer a milder taste.

What side dishes go best with Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes?

I love serving this with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens like broccoli or green beans. For bread lovers, a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

I really hope you try this Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe soon because it’s become one of my absolute favorites for both its rich flavor and easy prep. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a special occasion every time you eat it, even if it’s a simple weeknight dinner. I just know it’ll bring as much joy to your table as it does to mine!