CROCKPOT GARLIC BUTTER PERFECTION

Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes, all swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Sound too good to be true, especially for a weeknight meal? Well, get ready to be amazed because this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy. We’re about to unlock the secret to a flavor-packed, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that practically cooks itself, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy life.

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece of flavor and convenience. Don’t worry, the ingredient list looks longer than it is – it all comes together beautifully!

For the Beef Bites & Potatoes:

• 2 lbs Beef Chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes (look for well-marbled beef for the best results!)
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (Yukon Golds hold their shape beautifully)
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch)
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Salt (or more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (or more to taste)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Butter, unsalted
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced (yes, more garlic! We’re going for maximum flavor)
• 1/4 cup Beef Broth
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish and a pop of freshness)
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water, for thickening – optional)

Step-by-Step to Crockpot Garlic Butter Bliss

Let’s get this show on the road! This is so simple, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been making this all along. Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps; it’s mostly hands-off cooking!

Getting Started:

1. First things first, let’s brown the beef. This is a crucial step for developing rich flavor. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!), sear the beef cubes on all sides until nicely browned. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch. Set the browned beef aside.
2. Now, in the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Building Your Crockpot Masterpiece:

3. In your crockpot (at least a 6-quart size), combine the browned beef, cooked onion and garlic, and cubed potatoes.
4. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat evenly.

The Garlic Butter Magic:

5. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (but not browned!).
6. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
7. If you want a thicker sauce (and who doesn’t love a thick, luscious sauce?), whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes just a minute or two.
8. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef and potatoes in the crockpot.

Slow Cooker Time:

9. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it.

Finishing Touches:

10. Once cooked, stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
11. Serve hot and enjoy! This is fantastic on its own, but you could also serve it over rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.

Why This Recipe Rocks (Besides the Obvious!)

Okay, so we know this recipe is easy and delicious, but let’s dive into why it’s *really* special. It’s more than just throwing ingredients into a slow cooker; it’s about understanding how to maximize flavor and create a truly satisfying meal.

The Importance of Browning the Beef:

Seriously, don’t skip this step! Browning the beef creates what’s called the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. It adds depth and richness that you just can’t get any other way. I know it adds a little extra time, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Choosing the Right Potatoes:

We recommend Yukon Gold potatoes because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during slow cooking. Other types of potatoes can become mushy, which we definitely want to avoid. If you can’t find Yukon Golds, red potatoes are a good substitute.

Garlic, Garlic, Everywhere:

Yes, this recipe calls for a *lot* of garlic. But that’s what makes it so amazing! Don’t be shy – the garlic flavor mellows out during slow cooking, creating a perfectly balanced and savory dish. If you’re worried about it being too strong, you can use slightly less, but I promise, it’s delicious as written.

Tips and Tricks for Crockpot Success

Even though this recipe is super simple, here are a few extra tips to ensure your Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes are absolutely perfect every time.

Preventing Mushy Potatoes:

The biggest fear with slow cooker potatoes is that they’ll turn to mush. To avoid this, make sure you cut the potatoes into relatively large, even-sized cubes. Also, avoid overcooking them. Check for doneness after about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Thickening the Sauce Without Cornstarch:

If you prefer to avoid cornstarch, you can also thicken the sauce by removing about 1/2 cup of the liquid from the crockpot towards the end of the cooking time and simmering it in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces and thickens slightly. Then, stir it back into the crockpot.

Making it Ahead:

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time if starting from cold.

Spice It Up:

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You could also use a spicier paprika instead of regular paprika.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Add Vegetables:

You can easily add other vegetables to this recipe. Carrots, celery, mushrooms, and bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Add them to the crockpot along with the potatoes.

Swap the Potatoes:

While we love Yukon Gold potatoes, you can also use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious dish. Just be aware that sweet potatoes may cook a little faster, so check for doneness a bit earlier.

Make it Creamy:

For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the very end of the cooking time. This will add richness and a luxurious texture.

Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Companiments

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for side dishes that would complement it perfectly.

A Simple Salad:

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance out the richness of the beef and potatoes.

Crusty Bread:

Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. You won’t regret it!

Steamed Green Beans:

Steamed green beans are a healthy and easy side dish that pairs well with this recipe. You could even toss them with a little bit of the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.

Other Crockpot Delights to Explore

Once you’ve mastered this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe, you’ll be hooked on the convenience and flavor of slow cooking! Why not try some of my other favorite crockpot recipes?

If you’re in the mood for soup, you absolutely must try my CROCKPOT POTATO SOUP. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for a chilly evening. Or, for a cheesier and even more flavorful option, check out the CHEDDAR GARLIC POTATO SOUP! It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.

If you’re loving the garlic butter flavor, you should definitely try the GARLIC BUTTER BEEF BITES or the GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES. You can also find a high-protein version Garlic Butter Beef Bites. Finally, for another delicious and easy slow cooker meal, try the Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes. You won’t be disappointed!

Conclusion: Your Ticket to Weeknight Dinner Success

There you have it! Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. So, fire up that slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, and I know you’re going to love it!

Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe is an incredibly delicious and easy way to create a flavor-packed, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that practically cooks itself. Tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes swim in a luscious garlic butter sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot (6-quart or larger)
• Large skillet
• Small saucepan
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula or spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Beef Chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 8 cloves Garlic, minced
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Paprika
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• ½ cup Butter, unsalted
• ¼ cup Beef Broth
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Cold Water

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes on all sides until nicely browned. Set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add half of the minced garlic (4 cloves) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• In your crockpot, combine the browned beef, cooked onion and garlic, and cubed potatoes.
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic (4 cloves) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
• Pour the garlic butter sauce over the beef and potatoes in the crockpot.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
• Once cooked, stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use well-marbled beef chuck. Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot is crucial for developing rich flavor. Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended because they hold their shape well during slow cooking. To prevent mushy potatoes, cut them into relatively large, even-sized cubes and avoid overcooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.