Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

This recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites is the ultimate high-protein dinner solution. Tender beef and potatoes cook hands-off in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce, making a comforting meal perfect for busy nights. For another simple, protein-packed dinner, try this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Bake Recipe.

Ingredients

Tender beef bites and potatoes slow-cooked in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce make this an incredibly satisfying and easy dinner. Gather these simple ingredients to get started.

• 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
• 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted for the garlic butter sauce.)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning.)
• 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	4 hours (on LOW)
Total Time	4 hours 15 minutes

Context: This easy dinner recipe is about 20% faster than similar slow cooker beef dishes, thanks to minimal prep and a hands-off cooking method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Beef

Pat your cubed beef chuck roast completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear, as moisture on the surface will steam the meat instead of browning it. Season the beef generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2 — Sear for Maximum Flavor

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. This Maillard reaction builds a rich, savory flavor base for the entire dish.

Transfer the seared beef bites to your slow cooker insert. Deglaze the hot skillet with a splash of beef broth, scraping up all the browned bits, and pour this liquid over the meat.

Step 3 — Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced fresh garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and your chosen dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme). For a deeper flavor, you can gently sauté the garlic in a bit of the butter first until fragrant, then mix with the remaining ingredients.

Step 4 — Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Pour the remaining beef broth into the slow cooker with the beef. Dollop the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the meat. There’s no need to stir it in completely at this stage; it will melt and meld as it cooks.

Step 5 — Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds with gentle pressure. For the best texture, avoid overcooking on the HIGH setting, as it can sometimes make the beef dry.

Step 6 — Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker, gravy-like sauce, create a slurry by whisking together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the hot liquid in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Step 7 — Garnish and Serve

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish your High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~38 g
Carbohydrates	~6 g
Fat	~28 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~680 mg

Note: Estimates are based on typical ingredients and a standard serving size for these High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites. Actual values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This high protein slow cooker garlic butter beef bites recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap: Use Chicken Thighs — For a leaner option, swap the beef for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay incredibly juicy in the slow cooker and absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Option: Coconut Aminos — Replace the soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos. It provides a similar savory, umami depth with significantly less sugar and sodium.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use a high-quality plant-based butter or olive oil to make these garlic butter beef bites dairy-free. The rich, savory notes will still be fantastic.
• Gluten-Free Thickener — Instead of a flour-based slurry, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce. It creates a glossy, clingy glaze that’s perfectly gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Version — Opt for a low-sodium beef broth and use fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to boost flavor without extra salt. You can also reduce the added salt and let the garlic and butter shine.
• Extra Veggie Boost — Toss in hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or halved Brussels sprouts at the start. They’ll cook down and soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, adding fiber and nutrients.
• Herb-Infused Oil — For a different aromatic profile, infuse your cooking oil with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage before searing the beef bites. It adds a sophisticated, earthy layer to the dish.
• Spice It Up — Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for a gentle kick that complements the rich garlic butter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash to soak up the rich, savory sauce.
• For a lighter option, pair them with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp side salad to balance the richness of the garlic butter.
• Turn them into a hearty sandwich by piling the beef bites and a spoonful of sauce onto a toasted hoagie roll or slider buns for an easy crowd-pleaser.
• Make it a complete, protein-packed meal by serving alongside a whole grain like quinoa, farro, or brown rice.
• Perfect for game day or parties, serve these easy beef bites straight from the slow cooker as a delicious, warm appetizer with toothpicks.
• For a low-carb plate, enjoy them with zucchini noodles or sautéed spinach, letting the garlic butter sauce coat every strand or leaf.
• Elevate your plating by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or thyme and a final drizzle of the cooking sauce just before serving.

This versatile recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, casual weekend dinners, or even as a special main for holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a lean cut like sirloin, which can dry out during the long cook. Fix: Opt for well-marbled chuck roast or stew meat; the fat renders and bastes the beef bites, keeping them succulent.
• Mistake: Adding the butter at the start, causing it to separate and become greasy. Fix: Stir in the garlic butter during the last 30 minutes to emulsify into a rich, clingy sauce.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the beef in the slow cooker, leading to steaming instead of proper braising. Fix: Cook in a single layer if possible, or stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping the sear on the beef bites, missing out on deep flavor from the Maillard reaction. Fix: Pat meat dry and sear in batches in a hot skillet before adding to the cooker for a flavor foundation.
• Mistake: Adding minced garlic at the beginning, which can burn and turn bitter over hours. Fix: Use whole garlic cloves initially for a mellow base, then add fresh minced garlic with the butter at the end.
• Mistake: Using high-sodium broth without tasting first, making the final dish overly salty. Fix: Choose a low-sodium broth and season judiciously at the end, as flavors concentrate during cooking.
• Mistake: Lifting the lid frequently to check, which releases heat and significantly increases cooking time. Fix: Trust the process; only open near the end to add the butter and check for tenderness.
• Mistake: Not thickening the sauce, resulting in a watery gravy that doesn’t coat the beef. Fix: Create a quick slurry with cornstarch and stir it in at the end, cooking on high for 15-20 minutes until glossy.
• Mistake: Cutting the beef bites too small, causing them to overcook and become tough. Fix: Aim for 1 to 1.5-inch cubes; this size holds its shape and becomes fork-tender without disintegrating.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the beef bites completely, then store them in an airtight container with the garlic butter sauce for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Always use shallow containers for refrigeration to promote rapid, even cooling—a key step for food safety with this easy dinner recipe.

Conclusion

This high protein slow cooker garlic butter beef bites recipe is the perfect easy dinner for a busy weeknight. We hope you love these tender, flavorful bites! If you try it, please leave a comment below. For another wholesome meal, try our Roasted Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Kale Bowls Recipe.

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Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes

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• Author: Olivia Bennett

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
• 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted for the garlic butter sauce.)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch.)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning.)
• 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
2. Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
4. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
5. In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
7. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for these High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites?

Use a tender, lean cut like sirloin tips or stew meat. These cuts become incredibly tender in the slow cooker while keeping the dish high in protein. Avoid tougher cuts that require longer braising times.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt these High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites for the stovetop. Simmer the beef bites in the garlic butter sauce over low heat, covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours until tender. Check the liquid level occasionally to prevent burning.

How can I store and reheat the leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. This easy dinner recipe makes excellent meal prep for the week.