Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are so good they make your mouth swim! The creamy garlic butter sauce makes every bite of the tender steak and soft potatoes special.
I enjoy putting everything in the slow cooker and letting it do all the work. When we sit down to eat this tasty dinner, it’s like getting a warm embrace in a bowl.
How long do you think it will take?
It will take approximately 15 minutes to get this tasty supper ready, and then you can let your slow cooker do the rest. You may cook it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You should anticipate to spend roughly 7 to 8 hours on this project from start to finish. Most of that time will be spent relaxing or doing other things.
What You’ll Need:
- Beef stew meat in 2 lbs (900g) pieces that are easy to eat
- 1 pound (450 grams) of newborn potatoes, cut in half or quarters if they are big
- 4 tablespoons of butter without salt
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped finely
- 1/2 cup of broth from beef
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- To taste, salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Important Ingredients and Alternatives
Beef stew meat is a great cut for slow cooking since it gets soft and tasty. You could also use brisket or chuck roast, but chop them into cubes first. Instead, you may use chicken thighs for a lighter option.
Baby potatoes are fantastic since they are creamy and don’t need to be peeled. You can use ordinary potatoes (simply cut them into smaller pieces) or even sweet potatoes for a change if you don’t have baby potatoes.
I suggest unsalted butter so you can decide how salty it is. If you prefer a better fat choice, you can use ghee or olive oil instead.
Fresh garlic tastes the best! If you don’t have a lot of time, canned minced garlic will work, but it won’t taste as good.
Beef broth and Worcestershire sauce both contribute flavor to the dish. Vegetable broth and soy sauce can also offer pleasant tastes if you need an alternative. This is especially true for vegetarian versions (simply leave out the beef).
How can I make the beef just right?
The key to tender steak is how long you cook it and how you sear it. Searing the steak before slow cooking helps keep the flavors in and makes the beef taste better. This is how to do it right:
- Be sure to sear the meat in small batches; if you do too much at once, it will steam instead of brown.
- Don’t try to speed up the cooking time in the slow cooker. The steak will get softer the longer it cooks.
- Always check to see whether it’s done; soft beef should come apart easily with a fork.
How to do it step by step:
- Searing the Beef:
Put the olive oil in a big skillet and heat it up over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to the meat cubes. Sear the beef in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until it is beautifully browned. Put the steak in your slow cooker when it has browned.
- Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter that hasn’t been seasoned. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute, or until it smells good. This step is really important for getting that great garlic taste! - Adding the stock:
Next, add the Worcestershire sauce and beef stock, scraping out any tasty brown pieces that are stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Mix in the dried rosemary and thyme. Now, pour this garlicky combination over the steak in your slow cooker. - Adding the Potatoes:
Put the halved baby potatoes in the slow cooker and mix everything together to make sure the potatoes blend well with the beef and sauce. - Final Touches:
To make the meal richer, add the last 2 tablespoons of butter to the steak and potatoes. - Cooking:
Put a lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes should be soft and the beef should be cooked through, soaking up all that great flavor. - Taste and Change:
Before serving, taste the food and add more salt and pepper if it needs it. You want it to be perfect! - Adding the finishing touch:
Finally, add freshly chopped parsley to your heavy dinner to make it look nice. Warm it up and savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Is it okay to use frozen beef in this recipe?
You can use frozen beef, but fresh beef is better for flavor and texture. Just make sure to properly defrost it in the fridge or in a tight bag in cold water before searing it. If you start from frozen, the cooking times can be a little different.
Can I use other vegetables instead of potatoes?
Of course! You can add carrots, green beans, or celery to the mix if you want to change things up. Just make sure to cut them into pieces that are about the same size so they cook evenly. If you don’t want them to get too soft, add them halfway during the cooking time.
How to Keep Leftovers
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days in a container that doesn’t let air in. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in pieces for up to three months. To heat up, put it in the microwave or on the burner until it is hot all the way through.
Can I do this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Instead, use a Dutch oven. Do the same things, then cover it and cook it on low heat on the stove for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is soft. Just watch it and stir it every now and then to keep it from sticking.