This hearty dish combines tender beef bites and flavorful potatoes, all cooked to perfection in a delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s comfort food at its best!
You can just let the slow cooker do all the work. I love coming home to the smell of garlic and beef filling the house—it’s like a warm hug! 🥰
It’s perfect for busy days. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’ll have a yummy meal waiting for you. Enjoy it with a side salad for a complete dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend sirloin or chuck for this dish. They become tender and juicy after slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using beef tenderloin, though it might not be as flavorful.
Baby Potatoes: I love using baby potatoes because they cook evenly and are super tender. If you don’t have baby potatoes, regular ones will work just fine—just cut them into chunks.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder is equivalent to a clove of fresh garlic.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. You could substitute it with olive oil or a dairy-free butter if you’re aiming for a lighter option.
Herbs: Dried thyme is great in this recipe, but if you have fresh thyme, use it! For a different twist, rosemary can also add a lovely flavor.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Searing the Beef?
Searing beef is a crucial step for adding depth to your dish. Browning the meat creates a flavorful crust. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. You want to hear that sizzle!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, sear in batches. This helps achieve a nice brown color.
- Let the beef cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping to get that beautiful caramelization.
Once browned, move the beef to the slow cooker. It really makes a difference in flavor!
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) beef sirloin or chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prep and a cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. It’s a great option for a busy day—you can set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef bites into the hot pan. Sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, toss in 2 tablespoons of butter and the sliced onions. Sauté them until they soften and become translucent, which will take around 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until it’s nice and fragrant.
3. Combining Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Transfer the seared beef, along with the sautéed onions and garlic, into the slow cooker. Then, add the halved baby potatoes on top.
4. Adding Flavor:
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika (if using), and season everything with salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix, ensuring the potatoes and beef are well coated.
5. Butter It Up:
Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and scatter them over the mixture in the slow cooker. As it cooks, the butter will melt and create a rich, savory sauce.
6. Slow Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked through.
7. Finishing Touches:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm and comforting Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, enjoying the rich and flavorful sauce. It’s a cozy, delicious meal perfect for any day of the week!
Enjoy your comforting Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the beef in the fridge overnight or use a microwave defrost setting if you’re in a hurry. Once thawed, follow the searing step as usual for the best flavor.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce for a similar umami flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of balsamic vinegar and a bit of hot sauce can work as a good substitute if you like a bit of tang!
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
To make the dish lower in carbs, you can omit the potatoes and replace them with cauliflower florets, which will cook down nicely and absorb the flavors of the garlic butter sauce. Just add them to the slow cooker for the same cooking time.
Can I Make This Dish in the Oven Instead of a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! You can make this in a Dutch oven. Sear the beef and sautĂ© the onions in your Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and cover. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender. Be sure to check periodically to ensure the dish doesn’t dry out.
