
Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes π§π₯β¨
Rich, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth beef with tender baby potatoes β the slow-cooked comfort meal that tastes like a warm hug.
Introduction
If you love those cozy, rustic dinners that fill your home with the smell of garlic, herbs, and buttery goodness, this Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is about to become a new weeknight favorite.
Itβs hearty, savory, and unbelievably tender β the kind of dish that makes everyone peek into the kitchen asking, βWhat smells so good?β
The beef cooks low and slow until itβs fall-apart tender, the baby potatoes soak up every drop of garlic butter, and the sauce becomes rich, glossy, and full of flavor.
Simple ingredients. Minimal effort. Maximum comfort.
Ingredient Overview
Beef & Potatoes
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2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into bites)
Slowly cooked to buttery tenderness. -
1.5 lbs baby potatoes
Creamy, tender, and perfect for absorbing the garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Seasoning
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6 tbsp melted butter
The heart of the dish β rich, silky, and full of flavor. -
1 tbsp olive oil
Helps everything coat evenly. -
1 tbsp minced garlic
Adds deep aroma and classic comfort. -
1 packet ranch seasoning OR 1 tbsp garlic & herb seasoning
For that irresistible savory/herby taste. -
1 tsp paprika
Adds warmth and beautiful color. -
1 tsp onion powder
Boosts the savory base. -
1 tsp black pepper
For balance and mild heat. -
1 tsp salt
Enhances every flavor. -
Β½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
For a subtle kick.
Liquid
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Β½ cup beef broth
Helps create the rich, glossy sauce during cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1 β Prepare the Crockpot
Spray the inside with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 2 β Add the Potatoes
Place baby potatoes at the bottom β they need the most heat and soak up flavor beautifully.
Step 3 β Add the Beef
Place beef stew meat on top of the potatoes.
Step 4 β Make the Garlic Butter
In a bowl, mix together:
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Melted butter
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Olive oil
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Minced garlic
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Ranch seasoning (or garlic & herb)
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Paprika
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Onion powder
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Black pepper
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Salt
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Chili flakes
Stir until fully combined.
Step 5 β Pour It All Over
Pour the seasoned garlic butter all over the beef and potatoes, making sure everything is well coated.
Step 6 β Add Broth
Pour beef broth around the edges β this prevents washing off the seasoning while creating the perfect sauce.
Step 7 β Slow Cook
Cook on:
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LOW for 6β7 hours, or
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HIGH for 3β4 hours
Beef should be tender and potatoes completely soft.
Step 8 β Finish & Serve
Stir everything together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm and enjoy pure comfort.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes β chuck roast cut into chunks works beautifully.
2. Do I need to sear the beef first?
Not necessary, but searing adds extra flavor.
3. Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes, just cut them into large chunks.
4. Can I cook this on HIGH the whole time?
Yes β 3β4 hours works.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Carrots, mushrooms, or green beans work great.
6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor.
7. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh?
Yes β use 1 teaspoon.
8. Can I add more sauce?
Add an extra ΒΌ cup broth or extra melted butter.
9. Can I thicken the sauce?
Yes β stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 20 minutes.
10. Can I use ranch seasoning AND garlic & herb?
Yes β mix half and half.
11. Can I make this spicy?
Add more chili flakes or paprika.
12. Can I add onion?
Yes β diced onion adds sweetness.
13. Can I freeze this?
Yes β freezes well for up to 2 months.
14. Can I use baby carrots?
Yes β add them with potatoes.
15. Can I use low-sodium broth?
Yes β adjust salt at the end.
16. Does the beef need to be thawed?
Thaw for best texture.
17. Can I use red potatoes?
Yes β they hold shape well.
18. Can I use fresh herbs?
Parsley, thyme, or rosemary are delicious.
19. Can kids eat this?
Absolutely β mild and flavorful.
20. Can I meal-prep this?
Yes β reheats beautifully and makes great leftovers.
20 Helpful Tips
1. Cut beef into even-sized bites for even cooking.
2. Melt butter completely for smooth mixing.
3. Donβt pour broth directly on top of the seasoning.
4. Add garlic halfway for stronger flavor.
5. Add more paprika for deeper color.
6. Use baby potatoes with thin skins for best results.
7. Add mushrooms for extra richness.
8. Add rosemary or thyme for a rustic flavor.
9. Taste the sauce before adjusting salt.
10. Stir gently to avoid breaking potatoes.
11. Add fresh parsley before serving.
12. Add Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.
13. Use high-quality butter for richest flavor.
14. Avoid over-stirring during cooking.
15. Add chili flakes if you like heat.
16. Reduce sauce by removing lid for last 20 minutes.
17. Use leftover sauce over rice or noodles.
18. Add a splash of lemon to brighten flavor.
19. Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
20. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to thicken sauce.
10 Storage & Reheating Tips
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Store refrigerated up to 4 days.
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Freeze up to 2 months.
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Reheat on the stove over LOW heat.
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Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens.
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Microwave in 45-second intervals.
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Store in portioned containers for meal prep.
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Keep potatoes whole for best reheating texture.
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Add fresh herbs after reheating.
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Thaw overnight before reheating for best results.
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Avoid reheating on HIGH heat β dries the beef.
20 Recipe Secrets
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Sear beef first for steakhouse flavor (optional).
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Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for richness.
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Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
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Add 1 tsp Dijon mustard for complexity.
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Finish with cold butter to make sauce silky.
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Add caramelized onions for sweetness.
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Add whole garlic cloves for slow-cooked flavor.
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Use red potatoes for firmer texture.
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Add rosemary stems during cooking.
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Sprinkle with parsley for color.
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Use unsalted butter to control saltiness.
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Stir in a little cream for a richer sauce.
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Add mushrooms for earthiness.
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Deglaze pan with broth if you sear beef first.
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Cut beef into larger chunks for more tender bites.
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Add bacon for smokiness.
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Use garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
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Cook LOW for best tenderness.
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Avoid opening lid β heat loss slows cooking.
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Let sauce thicken uncovered at the end.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is the ultimate cozy dinner β flavorful, tender, and packed with buttery, garlicky goodness. Itβs the kind of meal thatβs effortless enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough for Sunday dinner.
Serve it with warm bread, rice, or simply enjoy it as isβ¦ every bite is comfort. π
