Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender beef, flavorful garlic, and perfectly cooked potatoes. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, offering not only amazing flavors but also an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal.
Why Make This Recipe
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is perfect for those busy nights when you want a fulfilling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines simple ingredients that many of us typically have on hand, making it a great choice for impromptu dinners. The slow cooking technique ensures that the beef comes out incredibly tender, while the garlic butter sauce adds a rich flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly. Plus, it’s a versatile meal that can be served any day of the week, whether it’s for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Creating this mouthwatering dish is straightforward and rewarding. From the moment you pull out your ingredients to the time you take that first fantastic bite, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and savory comfort of this recipe.
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 for the garlic butter sauce.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning.)
- 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)
Directions
-
Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces, and halve the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking.
-
If you prefer, you can parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly. This step is optional but recommended if you want to reduce overall cooking time.
-
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the beef bites until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
-
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce. Mix well until fully combined.
-
In your slow cooker, add the halved baby potatoes and the seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top, followed by the beef broth to keep everything moist during cooking.
-
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
-
Once cooked, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Pro Tips for Success with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
-
Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Use well-marbled stew meat for the best tenderness and flavor. Cuts like chuck or round work beautifully for slow cooking.
-
Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds a rich depth of flavor. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
-
Use Fresh Herbs: If available, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried for an added burst of flavor. Fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the dish even more.
-
Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to taste and adjust the garlic butter sauce seasoning according to your preference. A little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors.
-
Experiment with Cook Times: Depending on your slow cooker, you may need to adjust the cook times slightly. Always check the beef for tenderness before serving.
-
Pair with a Side Salad: A fresh salad can balance the richness of this dish and make your meal feel complete.
Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
-
Add Veggies: Toss in some carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for more color and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them in similar sizes to the potatoes for even cooking.
-
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy some heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
-
Herbs De Provence: Swap the dried herbs for a premixed Herbes de Provence for a different flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with beef.
-
Mushroom Addition: Adding sliced mushrooms before cooking can infuse the dish with earthy flavors, making it even heartier.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes can be served as a standalone meal, but you can enhance the experience with various sides. Here are some great ideas:
-
Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
-
Green Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the beef and potatoes.
-
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus provide a healthy contrast to the hearty dish.
-
Rice or Quinoa: If you want an alternative carbohydrate, serve the beef bites over rice or quinoa to absorb the delicious sauce.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Allow the beef bites to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
For long-term storage, consider freezing individual portions. Simply place the cooled beef bites in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|———-|———|——-|—–|——-|——–|
| 450 | 32g | 28g | 24g | 4g | 600mg |
FAQ About Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes! While beef stew meat is ideal for this recipe, you can use a similar cut of pork or even chicken thighs for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as chicken will generally require less time than beef to reach the desired tenderness.
Is it necessary to use a slow cooker?
Not at all! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this dish on the stovetop or in the oven. Simply follow the same steps, browning the meat and then cooking it covered in a pot or a Dutch oven at low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, checking frequently to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Garlic Butter Beef Bites can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for reheating later. This makes it a great option for meal prep or to have on hand for quick dinners during busy weeks.
What can I do if the beef isn’t tender after cooking?
If the beef isn’t tender after the designated cooking time, simply let it cook a bit longer. Slow cookers can vary in terms of temperature settings and cooking times, so a little extra time can make all the difference in achieving that fork-tender result.
Are there any vegan alternatives to this dish?
Yes! To make a plant-based version of this recipe, you can substitute the beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. Instead of butter, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a wonderful choice for any meal, combining simplicity and flavor in every bite. With a few basic ingredients and steps, you can prepare a dish that comforts the soul and pleases the palate. Be sure to try it out and make it a part of your regular meal rotation. Enjoy the delightful aroma in your kitchen as it slowly cooks, and relish the satisfaction that comes from sharing this hearty meal with loved ones. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: N/A
Description
A delicious and comforting dish featuring tender beef, flavorful garlic, and perfectly cooked potatoes.
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
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients. Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
- If desired, parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce. Mix well.
- In a slow cooker, add halved potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Searing the beef adds depth of flavor. Use fresh herbs for more flavor if available. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American