Garlic butter beef bites and potatoes make for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. This dish combines tender beef with flavorful garlic butter, making it a family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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What Makes Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes Special?
Garlic butter beef bites and potatoes are more than just a meal; they are a hug in a bowl. The beef simmers to perfection in a garlic-infused butter sauce, creating a rich, savory flavor that envelops each tender bite. Baby potatoes add a delightful creaminess, soaking up the buttery goodness. Plus, this dish cooks effortlessly in a crockpot, making it a simple yet satisfying option for any night of the week.
Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
Method
- Begin by preparing the ingredients; cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
- Optionally, parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the beef pieces until browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
- In the slow cooker, combine the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes for Perfect Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
For optimal tenderness, choose well-marbled cuts of beef like chuck roast or beef stew meat. Avoid lean cuts to prevent them from drying out. Ensuring that your potato pieces are uniform in size helps them cook evenly. Season the beef before searing to enhance flavor, and always use fresh garlic and herbs for the best taste. Monitor cooking time carefully; the beef should be fork-tender, and the potatoes should remain soft but intact. Let the dish rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Variations of Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
You can easily customize this recipe by using different cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket. Adding vegetables like carrots or green beans can provide extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a little heat, adjust the seasonings accordingly. For a lighter option, chicken thighs can replace the beef, while sweet potatoes or cauliflower can serve as delicious substitutes for baby potatoes.
Cooking Tips for Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
To achieve the best flavor, consider marinating the beef in the garlic butter sauce for a few hours before cooking. This will enhance the overall taste. If you want to add more depth, consider using homemade beef broth, which you can learn more about in recipes like homemade beef stew.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
These garlic butter beef bites and potatoes are perfect on their own but can be complemented with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables. For an extra layer of flavor, serve them with garlic mashed potatoes, which you can find in my recipe for garlic mashed potatoes. This makes for a comforting, well-rounded meal.
Tips for Enhancing Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
To elevate the dish, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth. Additionally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives just before serving adds a lovely color and freshness. If you’re looking for more side dish inspirations, try my cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage recipe, found here.
Breakdown of Time for Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
The total time for this recipe is approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes to 8 hours and 15 minutes, depending on your cooking method. Expect about 15 minutes of prep time and the rest dedicated to slow cooking for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs About garlic butter beef bites and potatoes
What to eat with garlic butter potatoes?
Garlic butter potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, fresh salads, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
What is garlic butter seasoning good for?
Garlic butter seasoning enhances the flavor of meats, vegetables, pastas, and even bread, making it a versatile addition to many dishes.
How to cook potatoes in garlic butter?
To cook potatoes in garlic butter, melt butter, mix in minced garlic, and toss the halved potatoes in the mixture before baking or roasting.
What kind of butter is best for potatoes?
Unsalted butter is often recommended for potatoes as it allows you to control the saltiness and enhances the natural flavor.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
Making garlic butter beef bites and potatoes is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort. Explore more delightful recipes on my Pinterest page at Elly’s Recipes for further inspiration. Cooking should be fun and flavorful, so gather your loved ones and enjoy this scrumptious dish together!
Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
Equipment
- skillet
- Slow cooker
- cutting board
- knife
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes. Optionally, parboil the potatoes for a few minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
- In a slow cooker, add the halved potatoes and seared beef, then pour the garlic butter sauce and beef broth over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.