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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites


  • Author: Carolyn
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Description

This sumptuous dish combines tender beef bites simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with hearty potatoes for a meal that warms both body and soul. 


Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

  • 3 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

Vegetables

  • 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cups of baby spinach (optional, for added greens)

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • ½ cup of unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 6 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Liquid for Cooking

  • 1 cup of beef broth (for added flavor and moisture)
  • ½ cup of red wine (optional, can substitute with additional beef broth)

Garnishes and Optional Add-ins

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 cup of frozen peas (added in the last hour of cooking for freshness)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (to sprinkle on top before serving)

Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Start by collecting all the necessary ingredients. You will need beef (preferably sirloin or tenderloin), baby potatoes, garlic, butter, beef broth, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and optional herbs.

2. Prepare the Beef Bites

Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Season the beef generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This step enhances the flavor, making every bite delicious.

3. Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. Once hot, add the seasoned beef pieces in batches. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until browned. This browning process locks in the juices and adds rich flavor.

4. Add Garlic and Butter

As the beef gets browned, add finely minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not burnt. Stir in another tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the beef and garlic.

5. Transfer Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Once the beef is seared and mixed with garlic, transfer everything from the skillet into the slow cooker. This will create a delicious base for your dish.

6. Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes around the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well-distributed.

7. Mix in Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth over the mixture of beef and potatoes. This will create a delicious gravy as it cooks. If desired, add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.

8. Set Your Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cooking slowly allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring tender beef and savory potatoes.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Once cooking is complete, carefully lift the lid. Stir gently before serving to combine flavors. Plate the beef bites and potatoes, and enjoy your hearty meal!

Notes

If you’re concerned about dietary restrictions, several substitutions work well. For a low-carb option, replace potatoes with cauliflower, which simmers beautifully. If you need a gluten-free dish, verify that the broth and seasonings are gluten-free. Swap out traditional butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version. You might also consider using olive oil if you want a lighter touch.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: American Cuisine

Nutrition

  • Calories: 330kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 78g