If you’re looking for a recipe that’s ridiculously easy, full of flavor, and makes your house smell like heaven, this is it. Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is the kind of meal that feels fancy but is so simple to pull off. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the potatoes are perfectly buttery, and the garlic-butter sauce ties it all together like a cozy hug. It’s a family favorite at my house—comfort food at its best—and it’s kid-approved, too!
Let’s get started, shall we?
What You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Potatoes:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or sirloin tips)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved, or quartered if large)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Tools Needed:
- 6-quart crockpot
- Large skillet (for searing the beef)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Pro Tips:
- Brown the beef first! Searing it in a skillet locks in flavor and gives it that caramelized crust. Totally worth the extra 5 minutes.
- Cut potatoes evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate and don’t turn mushy.
- Don’t skip the butter! It’s the key to the rich, garlicky sauce. Use real butter for the best flavor.
- Layer wisely. Put the potatoes on the bottom of the crockpot so they soak up all the juices.
- Add parsley at the end. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes everything look and taste fresher.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Swap baby potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots.
- Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes.
Make Ahead Tips:
- You can brown the beef the night before and store it in the fridge. The next morning, just pop everything into the crockpot and go!
- Chop the potatoes ahead of time and keep them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent browning.
Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients
Cut the baby potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Pat the beef dry with paper towels.
2. Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides (about 1-2 minutes per side). Transfer to the crockpot.
3. Layer the Crockpot
Place the potatoes on the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle them with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the seared beef on top.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits. Pour the mixture over the beef and potatoes in the crockpot.
5. Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft.
6. Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve warm.
Leftovers & Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
- Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion:
This Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The flavors are rich, the prep is simple, and the crockpot does all the heavy lifting. I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does! If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! ❤️
