There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of slow-cooked beef filling your kitchen on a chilly evening. Tender, juicy beef bites coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce pair perfectly with creamy, flavorful potatoes, creating a dish that's both hearty and irresistible.
This recipe has become a favorite in my household, especially on busy days when I need a meal that practically cooks itself. With just a little prep, your slow cooker takes over, leaving you with a dinner that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to embrace a meal that checks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal. This dish has quickly earned its spot on our weekly rotation, and for good reason.
First, the ease of preparation is unmatched. With just a handful of steps, your slow cooker works its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. It’s perfect for those days when you want a warm, comforting dinner but don’t have the time to stand over a stove.
The combination of tender beef and melt-in-your-mouth potatoes is a match made in heaven. The garlic butter sauce ties it all together, infusing every bite with rich, savory goodness. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without requiring hours of work.
Plus, it’s versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a main course for the family or scaling up for a gathering, this recipe adapts beautifully. Pair it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies on every level.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes to the dish’s rich, comforting flavors, making it a true slow-cooked masterpiece.
Beef bites: Opt for chuck roast or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking as they become incredibly tender over time. Make sure to trim any excess fat for a cleaner flavor.
Potatoes: Small Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes work best here. Their creamy texture holds up well during the long cooking process, and they absorb the flavors of the garlic butter beautifully.
Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dish. High-quality butter makes a noticeable difference in the richness of the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe. Minced garlic infuses the butter with an aromatic depth that permeates the beef and potatoes.
Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme enhances the dish with a subtle smokiness and herbal note. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
You’ll also need a slow cooker for this recipe. A 6-quart model works well for the given quantities, but adjust based on your available equipment.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe

Creating this hearty dish is as simple as it gets. Let me walk you through the process step by step to ensure perfect results every time.
Begin by searing the beef. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Working in batches, brown the beef bites until they have a golden crust. This step adds depth of flavor, so don’t skip it.
While the beef is searing, wash and halve your potatoes. Leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients. Place the potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker to create a bed for the beef.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the garlic cook gently for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
Add a splash of beef broth to the slow cooker to keep everything moist during cooking. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid, as this will let heat escape and extend the cooking time.
Once the cooking time is up, give the dish a gentle stir to coat everything evenly in the garlic butter sauce. The beef should be fork-tender, and the potatoes perfectly cooked. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage Options
Leftovers are a breeze with this recipe, and they taste just as delicious the next day. Store any remaining beef bites and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, transfer the desired portion to a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore the saucy consistency. Alternatively, use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe’s versatility makes it easy to adapt to your tastes and what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Swap out the beef for chicken thighs or pork shoulder. Both work wonderfully in the slow cooker and soak up the garlic butter flavor beautifully.
- Add extra veggies like carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions for added nutrients and a colorful presentation.
- Experiment with seasonings. A touch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, or try rosemary instead of thyme for a different herbal note.
- For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or even a bed of mashed potatoes to stretch the dish further.
The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a new spin, you’re in for a treat!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef bites and perfectly cooked potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce. A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or beef chuck, cubed)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place seared beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Add beef broth to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth before adding it to the slow cooker.
- You can use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture or red potatoes for a firmer bite.
- Adjust seasonings to taste and feel free to add carrots for more veggies!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
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