If you’re craving a hearty meal that requires hardly any hands-on work, Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes deserve a spot at the top of your must-make list. Tender chunks of beef bathe in a luscious bath of garlicky butter, soaking up every ounce of flavor alongside creamy baby potatoes. This dish is everything you want on a cozy evening: rich, savory, and ridiculously satisfying, with barely any prep and simple ingredients delivering big, bold comfort-food magic.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients to build the big, mouthwatering flavors of this dish. Each component brings something to the party, whether it’s a hit of umami, a pop of color, or that buttery richness that ties everything together.

Beef Stew Meat or Sirloin Tips (2 lbs): Choose cuts with good marbling for tender, succulent bites.
Baby Potatoes (1.5 lbs, halved or quartered): These waxy potatoes hold their shape and turn wonderfully creamy after slow cooking.
Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): The base of your sauce — opt for unsalted so you control the flavor.
Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with deep, aromatic flavor.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the beef for added richness and a caramelized crust.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a subtle tang that wakes up the beef.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): For those who can’t resist a little extra savory umami punch.
Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Layers on mellow, oniony sweetness.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Doubles down on the garlicky goodness!
Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle earthiness and herbal notes.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of fragrant herbs that ties the flavors together.
Salt (½ teaspoon; adjust to taste): Unlocks all the savory flavors.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): For gentle heat and balance.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Stirred in at the end for a pop of green and fresh finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Seriously Worth It)

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef bites for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re richly browned and caramelized. This step adds a ton of flavor, but if you’re short on time, it’s perfectly fine to skip straight to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prep the Potatoes

Give the baby potatoes a good wash, then halve or quarter them so they’re all about the same size. No peeling needed — the skins give a rustic, homey feel and keep the potatoes perfectly tender while cooking.

Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is silky and well combined — this fragrant, golden liquid will work its magic as everything cooks.

Step 4: Add to Slow Cooker

Add the seared beef and prepped potatoes to your slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture right over the top, then gently toss or stir so everything is evenly coated in that buttery deliciousness.

Step 5: Cook

Put the lid on and let the slow cooker do what it does best: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the potatoes are perfectly cooked through. The aroma alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When everything is fork-tender and your kitchen smells like heaven, give the whole dish a gentle stir. Sprinkle plenty of freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and brightness right before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley goes a long way — it lifts the flavors and adds gorgeous color. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of grated Parmesan over the top makes each serving feel extra-special.

Side Dishes

This dish is nearly a complete meal on its own, but fresh, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up that irresistible garlic butter sauce. If you want something green, a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans makes a bright, refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes into party-perfect fare by serving them in mini bowls or on skewers for an appetizer-style presentation. For dinner, pile the beef and potatoes high in a rustic serving dish and let everyone dig in family-style — it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftovers into an airtight container and let them cool completely before refrigerating. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making for the easiest heat-and-eat lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Be sure not to overcook, so the beef and potatoes stay tender and the sauce remains silky.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin tips are ideal, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks, or even brisket if you want extra richness. Just be sure to trim excess fat for the best texture.

Is it necessary to sear the beef first?

It’s optional, but highly recommended! That quick sear develops deep flavor and helps keep the beef juicy. If you’re in a rush, the recipe still turns out delicious without it.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Carrots, pearl onions, or mushrooms all complement Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes beautifully. Just make sure everything is cut to a similar size so it cooks evenly.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply skip the soy sauce or use a gluten-free variety, and double-check the Worcestershire sauce for gluten. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What if my potatoes aren’t fully cooked after the allotted time?

If the potatoes are still a bit firm, just let them cook another 30–60 minutes. Some slow cookers run cooler, so feel free to check along the way and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

If you want a warming, fuss-free dinner that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds, don’t wait to try Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes. It’s the kind of recipe that turns even the simplest weeknight into something memorable — and might just become your new go-to comfort dish!