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Try these mouthwatering garlic beef bites with potatoes in your slow cooker, a comforting and tasty dish that's perfect for easy, filling meals. Simple ingredients and slow cooking bring out amazing flavors, making it great for family dinners or cozy nights in.
What makes this dish unmissable?
This meal combines melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked beef with soft potatoes, all covered in a rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce. Using your slow cooker means you'll get a tasty dinner without the hassle, just what you need on busy days.
What you'll need
- Beef: 1.5 pounds of stew meat cut into bite-sized chunks for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Potatoes: 1 pound of baby potatoes halved for even cooking throughout.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons melted butter for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Garlic: 3 minced garlic cloves to pack a flavor punch.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and rosemary.
- Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to enhance flavors.
- Liquids: 1/4 cup beef broth and 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking.
Step-by-step cooking guide
- Brown the beef
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown beef chunks for 2-3 minutes on each side. Move them to your slow cooker.
- Add potatoes
- Place the halved potatoes in the slow cooker, arranging them around the beef pieces.
- Mix the sauce
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, paprika, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Pour in broth
- Add beef broth to the slow cooker to keep everything moist during cooking.
- Cook slowly
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef falls apart and potatoes become tender.
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Tips and twists
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of heavy cream during the last half hour for an even creamier sauce.
- Mix it up: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots for a hint of sweetness.
- Serve with: Pair with crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best beef cut for this?
Pick cuts like chuck, brisket, or shank. They're perfect for long, slow cooking and turn out tender in stews.
- → Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Sure! You can bake it at 320°F in a covered pot for 2.5-3 hours. Keep an eye on the liquid and add more broth if needed.
- → How do I know when the beef is done?
The meat should fall apart effortlessly with a fork. When it's tender and luscious, it's ready to serve.
- → Don't the potatoes get overcooked?
Baby potatoes hold up well. They become soft and creamy but stay in good shape thanks to their size.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Cook it the day before and gently reheat it—the flavors will be even richer.