There's nothing quite like coming home to the rich aroma of garlic butter beef bites and tender potatoes simmering in your slow cooker. This dish is pure comfort food—melt-in-your-mouth beef, buttery golden potatoes, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce that brings it all together.

I first made this recipe on a chilly Sunday when I wanted something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Since then, it has become a family favorite—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Best of all, it's an easy set-it-and-forget-it meal that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor.

Let’s dive into why you’ll love this slow cooker classic!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Get ready to add this recipe to your regular rotation because it's the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and heartiness.

First off, this dish is ridiculously easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep, you can toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. No need to babysit the stove!

The garlic butter sauce is pure liquid gold. It soaks into the beef and potatoes, creating rich, savory, and slightly indulgent bites that are absolutely irresistible.

It’s also budget-friendly and filling. Using affordable stew beef and simple pantry staples, you can feed your whole family without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget how versatile this recipe is. Swap the potatoes for another veggie, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or even add a splash of red wine for extra depth. It’s an adaptable meal that works with whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this slow cooker garlic butter beef bites & potatoes lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef Bites: I recommend using stew beef or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces. These cuts become incredibly tender after slow cooking, soaking up all the delicious buttery garlic flavor.

Potatoes: Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and develop a buttery texture when slow-cooked. If using larger potatoes, cut them into chunks to ensure even cooking.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is the star of the sauce. It infuses the beef and potatoes with deep, savory flavor. Feel free to adjust the garlic to your preference!

Butter: This is where the richness comes from. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level, while garlic butter creates an irresistible sauce.

Beef Broth: A small amount of beef broth helps keep everything moist and adds extra depth to the flavor.

Seasonings: A mix of salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme brings out the best in the beef and potatoes. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat.

You’ll also need a slow cooker to bring everything together effortlessly. A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.

How To Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

This recipe is all about minimal effort for maximum reward. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prep the Ingredients

Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef and cutting it into bite-sized chunks if needed. If your potatoes are large, halve or quarter them so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic and measure out your seasonings.

2. Brown the Beef (Optional, but Recommended)

For extra flavor, sear the beef bites in a hot skillet with a bit of butter or oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step helps develop a deep, caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste.

3. Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place the potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker, followed by the beef bites. Sprinkle the garlic and seasonings evenly over the top. Pour in the beef broth, then drizzle the melted garlic butter over everything.

4. Cook Low & Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft. Halfway through cooking, give everything a gentle stir to ensure even flavor distribution.

5. Finish with Fresh Herbs & Serve

Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and don’t forget to spoon some of that delicious garlic butter sauce over each serving!

This dish is perfect as-is, but you can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or a simple side salad for a fresh contrast.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate: Let the beef and potatoes cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: This dish freezes well! Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or butter to keep everything moist. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Here are a few fun variations:

Swap the Protein: Not a fan of beef? Try this recipe with chicken thighs or even pork shoulder for a different take on the dish.

Add More Veggies: Toss in carrots, mushrooms, or green beans for extra color and nutrients. Just be mindful that softer veggies should be added halfway through cooking.

Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese at the end for an ultra-rich finish.

Boost the Flavor: A dash of Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of red wine can add even more depth to the sauce.

Turn Up the Heat: Love a little spice? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own—the possibilities are endless!