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Crockpot Garlic Butter BeefBitesPotatoe

Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes 🧄🥔✨

Tender beef, buttery baby potatoes, and rich garlic-herb flavor slow-cooked to perfection.

Introduction

If you ever wished dinner could taste like a warm blanket on a cold day, this is it. Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes brings all the comfort of a slow-simmered stew with almost none of the effort.

The beef cooks down until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, the baby potatoes stay creamy and soft, and the garlic butter sauce becomes rich, glossy, and full of deep, cozy flavor. This is the kind of recipe that fills your home with warmth from the moment it starts cooking — the kind of meal that makes you slow down, breathe, and enjoy.

This dish is hearty, rustic, and perfect for family dinners, cold evenings, Sunday meal prep, or anytime you need something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient Overview

Beef & Vegetables

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bites
    A great slow-cooking cut that becomes fork-tender.

  • 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
    Creamy, buttery, and perfect for absorbing flavor.

  • 3–4 large carrots, cut into chunks
    Adds sweetness and heartiness.

  • 1 small onion, diced
    Builds savory depth.

Garlic Butter Mixture

  • 6 tbsp butter, melted
    Gives the dish richness and silky texture.

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    Helps distribute seasoning evenly.

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
    Bold, aromatic, and essential.

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning OR 1 tbsp garlic & herb seasoning
    Adds layers of savory flavor.

  • 1 tsp paprika
    Adds color and warmth.

  • 1 tsp onion powder
    Boosts the savory base.

  • 1 tsp black pepper
    For mild heat.

  • 1 tsp salt
    Balances everything.

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
    Adds gentle spice.

Liquid

  • ½ cup beef broth
    Helps create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Crockpot

Spray with nonstick spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.

Step 2 — Layer the Vegetables

Place baby potatoes, carrots, and diced onions at the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 3 — Add the Beef

Place the stew meat on top of the vegetables.

Step 4 — Make the Garlic Butter

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Melted butter

  • Olive oil

  • Minced garlic

  • Ranch seasoning

  • Paprika

  • Onion powder

  • Salt

  • Pepper

  • Chili flakes (optional)

Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables.

Step 5 — Add the Broth

Pour ½ cup beef broth around the edges (not on top of seasoning).

Step 6 — Slow Cook

Cook on:

  • LOW for 6–7 hours, or

  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

Beef should be tender and potatoes perfectly soft.

Step 7 — Finish

Stir gently, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with parsley or thyme, and serve hot.

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I sear the beef first?
Yes — it adds restaurant-level flavor.

2. Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes, but cut into large chunks.

3. Can I add mushrooms?
Delicious! Add with the potatoes.

4. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh?
Yes — 1 tsp equals 1 tbsp minced.

5. Can I use vegetable broth?
You can, but beef broth gives better flavor.

6. Can I use red potatoes?
Yes — they hold shape beautifully.

7. Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, in a 7–8 quart crockpot.

8. Will the sauce be thick?
It becomes glossy; thicken with cornstarch if desired.

9. Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely — reheats well.

10. Can I add green beans?
Yes — add during the last hour.

11. Can I add Worcestershire sauce?
YES — amazing extra flavor.

12. Can I use chicken broth?
Yes, but beef broth is richer.

13. Can I add bay leaves?
Yes — great depth.

14. Does the butter make it greasy?
No — it emulsifies into the sauce.

15. Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Yes — 325°F for 2.5–3 hours.

16. Can I make this spicy?
Add more chili flakes or paprika.

17. Can I prep the night before?
Yes — assemble everything and refrigerate.

18. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes — up to 2 months.

19. Can I skip the ranch?
Yes — use Italian seasoning + garlic powder.

20. Can kids eat this?
Absolutely — mild, tender, delicious.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Cut beef into even-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Keep potatoes whole so they don’t break down.
3. Melt butter fully before mixing seasonings.
4. Add garlic halfway through for stronger flavor.
5. Don’t pour broth over the top — keeps seasoning in place.
6. Add ½ tbsp Worcestershire for umami.
7. Add carrots for natural sweetness.
8. Use baby potatoes for perfect tenderness.
9. Add rosemary sprigs for aroma.
10. Taste sauce before adding more salt.
11. Stir gently to avoid crushing potatoes.
12. Add mushrooms for thickness and depth.
13. Add thyme for an earthy flavor.
14. Use smoked paprika for richness.
15. Let sauce reduce by cooking uncovered for 20 minutes.
16. Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
17. Stir in a tablespoon of cold butter at the end for shine.
18. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
19. Add lemon zest for brightness.
20. Never open the lid too early — slows cooking by 30 minutes!

10 Storage & Reheating Tips

  1. Refrigerate up to 4 days.

  2. Freeze up to 2 months.

  3. Reheat on LOW on the stove.

  4. Add broth or water when reheating.

  5. Microwave in 45-second intervals.

  6. Store potatoes separately for best texture.

  7. Freeze in portioned containers.

  8. Thaw overnight before reheating.

  9. Add fresh herbs after reheating.

  10. Avoid reheating on high heat — beef will get tough.

20 Recipe Secrets

  1. Sear beef first for richer flavor.

  2. Use fresh garlic AND garlic powder for layers of flavor.

  3. Add 1 tbsp soy sauce for depth.

  4. Add a splash of red wine for richness.

  5. Use a mix of butter and ghee for deep flavor.

  6. Add whole garlic cloves for sweetness.

  7. Use smoked paprika for complexity.

  8. Add thyme sprigs while cooking.

  9. Finish with chopped parsley.

  10. Add a dash of cayenne for warmth.

  11. Stir in 1 tbsp cream for a silky finish.

  12. Add mushrooms for savory umami.

  13. Use red potatoes for firmer texture.

  14. Add a bay leaf while cooking.

  15. Season beef directly before layering.

  16. Add grilled onions right before serving.

  17. Let sauce thicken uncovered for last 20 minutes.

  18. Add roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor.

  19. Garnish with fresh thyme.

  20. Serve with warm bread to soak up the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is pure comfort in a bowl — rich, buttery, tender, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s fuss-free, family-friendly, and the perfect slow cooker dinner when life gets busy but you still want something that tastes home-cooked and hearty.