Tender Beef with Potatoes

This hearty garlic butter beef bites with potatoes recipe transforms simple ingredients into an incredible comfort meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. The slow cooker does all the work, creating fork-tender beef and flavorful potatoes bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that's impossible to resist.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something that would cook while I was away. The moment my family walked through the door that evening, they were captivated by the amazing smell. Now it's our go-to comfort food whenever the weather turns chilly.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat: These tougher cuts become incredibly tender in the slow cooker and absorb all the amazing flavors
• 1 pound Baby potatoes: Their creamy texture and ability to hold shape make them perfect for slow cooking
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter: Creates the rich base for our sauce. Use quality butter for best results
• 3 cloves Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides bold flavor that dried simply cannot match
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder: Adds a sweet depth that complements the garlic beautifully
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme: This classic herb pairs perfectly with beef and potatoes
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary: Adds an aromatic pine note that makes the dish feel special
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all flavors. Consider sea salt for better taste
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper: Freshly ground provides the best flavor profile
• 0.25 cup Beef broth: Creates steam for cooking and prevents drying. Choose low sodium to control salt
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil: Use for searing the beef to develop rich flavor through browning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation:

Gather all ingredients and prepare your meat and vegetables. Cut beef into consistent bite sized pieces around 1 inch for even cooking. Halve the baby potatoes so they cook at the same rate as the beef.

Parboil Potatoes:

While optional, parboiling potatoes for 5 minutes gives them a head start. This ensures they reach the perfect tenderness alongside the beef. Drain thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker.

Sear the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing beef pieces for 1-2 minutes per side until deeply browned. This crucial step develops rich flavor compounds that elevate the entire dish.

Create Garlic Butter Sauce:

In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter until just liquid. Immediately add minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the warm butter to bloom the herbs and spices, releasing their essential oils.

Assemble in Slow Cooker:

Layer potatoes on the bottom of your slow cooker insert, followed by the seared beef pieces. Pour the fragrant garlic butter mixture evenly over everything, ensuring all pieces get coated. Add beef broth around the edges rather than directly on top to preserve the butter coating.

Slow Cook:

Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The long, gentle cooking transforms the tough beef into meltingly tender bites while infusing everything with garlic butter flavor.

Rest Before Serving:

Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10 minutes with the lid off. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to settle, resulting in a more cohesive final dish.

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The smoked paprika is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power years ago when I accidentally used it instead of regular paprika. My husband immediately noticed the difference and now I keep a premium Spanish smoked paprika in my pantry specifically for this dish.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep since the flavors actually improve with time. You can prepare everything up to the slow cooking step and refrigerate the assembled but uncooked ingredients for up to 24 hours. Simply transfer from refrigerator to slow cooker in the morning and cook as directed. The finished dish keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months in airtight containers.

Simple Variations

Create endless variations by playing with the herbs and spices. Substitute Italian seasoning for the thyme and rosemary for a Mediterranean twist. Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami flavor. For a touch of brightness, stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley just before serving. You can also add mushrooms or carrots to the slow cooker for additional vegetables.

Perfect Pairings

This satisfying dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of steamed green beans or broccoli adds color and nutrition. For soaking up the incredible sauce, consider crusty French bread or soft dinner rolls. For wine enthusiasts, a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Syrah complements the beef perfectly.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different cut of beef for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute stew meat with chuck roast, sirloin, or bottom round, cut into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure you're using a cut that benefits from slow cooking to become tender.

→ Is parboiling the potatoes really necessary?

Parboiling is optional but recommended if you prefer softer potatoes. If you skip this step, your potatoes might have a firmer texture in the final dish, which some people actually prefer.

→ Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes with a natural release. The total cooking time will be significantly reduced.

→ What can I serve with these garlic butter beef bites?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all ingredients the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, just add everything to your slow cooker and start cooking.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep.