A dish like Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings. This recipe offers tender beef bites paired with flavorful baby potatoes, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. The combination of spices elevates the dish, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions. It’s a comforting feast that stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this meal without hassle.
- Flavor Packed: The garlic butter sauce infuses the beef and potatoes with rich flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a hearty dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for gatherings.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: Let your slow cooker do the work while you relax or focus on other tasks.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish embodies the warmth and satisfaction of traditional comfort food.
Tools and Preparation
To make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes smoothly, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you achieve the best results with minimal effort.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Keeps your beef juicy and tender while allowing flavors to meld over hours.
- Skillet: Ideal for searing the beef bites to enhance flavor before slow cooking.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients like spices and garlic for the sauce.
Ingredients
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef bites and flavorful baby potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce.
For the Beef Bites
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)
For the Potatoes
- 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted for the garlic butter sauce.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning.)
- 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
Step 2: Optional Parboil Potatoes
Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
Step 3: Sear the Beef Bites
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Combine in Slow Cooker
In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
Step 6: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a delightful main course that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Add thyme sprigs: A few sprigs of thyme can elevate the aroma and taste of the dish.
Paired with Crusty Bread
- Serve with sourdough: The tanginess of sourdough bread complements the rich garlic butter sauce perfectly.
- Use garlic bread: For an extra hit of garlic, serve the meal alongside buttery garlic bread.
Accompanied by Salad
- Simple green salad: A light green salad can balance the richness of the beef bites and potatoes.
- Caesar salad: For a classic touch, a Caesar salad adds crunch and flavor that pairs well with this dish.
Over Rice or Pasta
- Serve over rice: A bed of fluffy white rice absorbs the delicious garlic butter sauce beautifully.
- Toss with pasta: Lightly toss in cooked pasta for an Italian twist that makes this dish even heartier.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
To achieve the perfect Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose quality beef: Opt for well-marbled stew meat for tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t skip searing: Browning the beef first enhances its flavor through caramelization.
- Adjust cooking time: Monitor your slow cooker; cook until beef is fork-tender for optimal texture.
- Layer flavors: Consider adding vegetables like carrots or onions for extra depth in taste.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Complement your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes by serving them alongside these delicious side dishes.
- Steamed Broccoli – This bright green vegetable adds color and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
- Roasted Asparagus – The earthy flavor of roasted asparagus pairs well and offers a nice crunch.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – For those who love potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes provide an extra layer of comfort.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich beef dish.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brings sweetness and texture, making it a great summer side.
- Garlic Green Beans – Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic are a simple yet flavorful addition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.
Not searing the beef properly: Failing to sear the beef can result in a lack of flavor. Ensure you brown the beef bites well on all sides before adding them to the slow cooker.
Skipping the garlic butter sauce: This sauce is essential for the dish’s rich flavor. Don’t skip it; combine all ingredients for the sauce thoroughly before pouring it over the meat and potatoes.
Overcrowding the slow cooker: If you pack too much into your slow cooker, it may not cook evenly. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
Ignoring resting time: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps flavors meld and makes serving easier. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Using frozen beef or potatoes: Fresh ingredients yield better texture and taste. Always use fresh beef and potatoes for optimal results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date for easy tracking.
Reheating Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about preparing Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes. Here are some common inquiries answered.
Can I use different cuts of beef?
Absolutely! You can use other tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye, but adjust cooking times accordingly based on thickness.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef should be fork-tender when it’s done cooking. Use a fork to check if it breaks apart easily.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything beforehand and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just follow instructions when ready!
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a delightful combination of flavors that brings comfort to any table. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its warm, inviting flavors!
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, a delightful dish perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe features tender beef, seared to perfection, paired with flavorful baby potatoes, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. The blend of spices adds depth and character, making this dish not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound baby potatoes (halved)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces; halve the baby potatoes.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear the beef until browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic and spices to create the garlic butter sauce.
- In a slow cooker, place halved potatoes and seared beef; pour garlic butter sauce and add beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Allow resting for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
