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Looking for a comforting, hands-off meal? Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes are the perfect solution!
Tender beef bites and crispy potatoes slow-cooked in rich garlic butter create a dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make.
Imagine sinking your fork into soft beef and perfectly cooked potatoes, all infused with that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
Let’s set it and forget it while we make this hearty, delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does all the work—just dump, set, and come back to a savory meal.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: Cooking low and slow guarantees fork-tender beef every single time.
- Complete One-Pot Meal: You get protein, carbs, and flavor all in one.
- Family Favorite: My kids call it “beefy butter bites,” and trust me, it always disappears fast.
- Customizable: Add herbs, heat, or even lemon zest to tweak the flavor to your liking.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low (or 4 to 5 hours on high)
Total Time: About 6.5 to 8.5 hours (hands-off for most of it)
Servings: Serves 4 to 6 people generously as a main dish.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly—if you can chop, you can make this.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Slow Cooker (5 to 6-quart capacity works well)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl (for tossing ingredients)
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Optional: Garlic press and zester for added flavor layers
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes
These simple ingredients do the heavy lifting flavor-wise. Quality beef and fresh garlic make a big difference here.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat – Cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
- 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes – Halved or quartered, depending on size.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder – Adds depth without chopping onions.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Layers in even more garlic flavor.
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt – For a well-rounded, savory base.
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped – For that aromatic kick.
- 5 tablespoons butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pads – The heart of the garlic butter sauce.
Optional Additions:
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs – Drop them in whole for herbaceous aroma.
- Red pepper flakes – If you want just a little heat.
- Lemon zest – For a pop of brightness that cuts the richness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by cutting your beef stew meat into bite-sized chunks if it’s not pre-cut. Wash and halve or quarter the Yukon gold potatoes—you want them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
2. Season the Meat
In a large bowl, toss the beef with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. This dry seasoning gives the beef a rich, base flavor that holds up to slow cooking.
3. Load the Slow Cooker
Layer the potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seasoned beef on top. Sprinkle in the chopped garlic and dot the top with all five pads of butter. If using herbs or red pepper flakes, toss them in now too.
✦ Tip: Keep the butter on top—it’ll slowly melt and coat everything as it cooks, turning into that golden garlic-butter sauce.
4. Set It and Forget It
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are buttery soft. The garlic and butter will have infused everything with flavor.
5. Stir, Taste, and Finish
Once it’s done, gently stir to coat all the potatoes in the garlic butter. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or even a bit of lemon zest at the end for brightness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
This recipe is cozy and complete on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:
- Simple and rustic: Serve it in a bowl with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the butter.
- Greens on the side: A crisp side salad or some sautéed green beans can balance the richness.
- Meal prep: Divide into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days—it reheats beautifully.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The garlic butter flavor intensifies over time.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals, or warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t skip the butter pads on top. They melt down slowly and flavor everything evenly.
- Use Yukon golds for the best texture. They’re creamy but hold their shape well during long cooking.
- Add garlic late for sharper flavor. If you want a bolder garlic taste, stir in some fresh minced garlic during the last hour of cooking.
- Make it saucy. Add ½ cup of beef broth if you want a thinner garlic butter sauce to spoon over rice or bread.

Flavor Variations
- Herb Lover’s Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce adds subtle heat.
- Bright and Fresh: Finish with lemon zest and fresh parsley for a lighter finish.
Nutrition
Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Bowl | 465 | 29g | 22g | 29g | 3g | 760mg |
(Values are approximate and based on 1/6 of the recipe)
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes
Course: Uncategorized6
servings20
minutes6
hours465
kcalIngredients
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 tablespoon chopped garlic (fresh)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pads
- Optional Additions:
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Zest of ½ lemon
Directions
- Prep the ingredients: Rinse and cut the potatoes. Trim beef into even chunks.
- Season the beef: Toss beef with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt in a bowl.
- Layer the slow cooker: Add potatoes to the bottom. Layer beef on top. Add chopped garlic and top with butter pads. Add herbs or red pepper if using.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Finish and serve: Gently stir. Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with lemon zest if desired. Serve warm.
Garlic Butter Beef Bites FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes! Chuck roast works well if cut into chunks. Just avoid lean cuts—they can dry out in the slow cooker.
Q: Do I need to sear the beef first?
A: Nope. While searing can add depth, it’s not necessary for this simple, slow-cooked recipe.
Q: What can I use instead of Yukon gold potatoes?
A: Red potatoes or even peeled russets can work. Just cut them into even-sized pieces.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—use plant-based butter and skip the optional cheese or cream additions.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Potatoes recipe is one of those “dump and relax” meals that turns out incredible every single time. It’s cozy, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for cold nights, meal prepping, or anytime you want something hearty without babysitting the stove.
Make it once and it’ll quickly become a regular in your comfort food rotation.