There’s nothing like coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of garlic butter beef bites and potatoes simmering in your slow cooker. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with creamy potatoes, all bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that will leave you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

I discovered this recipe while looking for a way to elevate a basic slow-cooked beef dish, and it quickly became a family favorite. It's perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or simply when you want a no-fuss, hearty meal that feels gourmet.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Get ready to fall in love with this slow cooker recipe that brings together convenience, flavor, and versatility in one pot.

First, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. With just a bit of prep in the morning, you'll come home to a fully cooked, restaurant-quality meal without breaking a sweat.

The flavor is out of this world. Garlic butter infuses every bite of beef and potatoes, creating a luxurious sauce that’s both comforting and irresistible.

This recipe is also highly customizable. Want to add veggies or use a different cut of meat? Go ahead – it’ll turn out delicious no matter what.

Finally, cleanup is a breeze. Since everything cooks in one pot, there’s minimal mess to worry about after dinner.

Ready to give this recipe a try? Let’s talk ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here's everything you need to create a perfect batch of garlic butter beef bites and potatoes:

Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the dish! This cut is marbled with fat, which breaks down during the slow cooking process, resulting in ultra-tender beef bites. You can also use stew meat for convenience.
Baby Potatoes: These creamy little gems hold their shape and soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully. If you can’t find baby potatoes, diced Yukon golds are an excellent substitute.
Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy, butter forms the base of the garlic sauce. Using unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key here. Its robust flavor mellows and sweetens as it cooks, creating a heavenly aroma.
Beef Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and keeps the beef moist throughout cooking. Opt for low-sodium broth to avoid overpowering the dish.
Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika enhances the dish’s savory profile. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.

Special Equipment

You’ll need a slow cooker (5-quart or larger) and a skillet for browning the beef before slow cooking. Browning is optional but highly recommended for added flavor.

How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Making this dish is as easy as can be, thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to help them sear better. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Wash the baby potatoes and cut any larger ones in half so they cook evenly. Mince your garlic cloves and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional)

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in batches, searing them until they develop a golden crust. This step locks in flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Layer the potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the browned (or raw) beef bites on top.

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of thyme. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes. Add the beef broth to ensure everything stays moist.

Step 4: Cook

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender enough to cut with a fork, and the potatoes should be perfectly soft.

Step 5: Serve

Give everything a gentle stir before serving. Spoon the beef, potatoes, and plenty of sauce onto plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Storage Options

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Place cooled beef and potatoes (with sauce) in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave for a quicker option.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Add Veggies: Toss in carrots, green beans, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
Switch the Protein: Try this recipe with pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different twist.
Herb Swap: Replace thyme with rosemary or oregano to change the flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for some heat.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish uniquely yours!