crockpot garlic butter beef bites Recipe

There is nothing quite like the comforting flavors of crockpot garlic butter beef bites to make any meal feel special and satisfying. This dish combines tender, juicy beef stew meat with buttery baby Yukon gold potatoes, all infused with the rich aroma of garlic and a perfect blend of spices. The slow cooking process ensures every bite is bursting with flavor while the garlic butter elevates the whole experience to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, crockpot garlic butter beef bites will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for effortless, hearty dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make crockpot garlic butter beef bites is a breeze with simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering incredible taste and texture. The beef offers a juicy, tender core; the baby Yukon gold potatoes add creaminess and color; and the garlic butter sauce ties everything together with richness and aroma.

• 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose a well-marbled cut for the best tenderness after slow cooking.
• 1½ pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes: These potatoes hold their shape well and provide a buttery, creamy texture.
• 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a mild, slightly sweet depth to the spices.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor, complementing the fresh garlic perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt: A balanced seasoning mix that boosts flavor without overpowering the beef and potatoes.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped: Fresh garlic for a punch of vibrant aroma and taste.
• 5 tablespoons butter, cut into pads: Melts slowly to create a silky, flavorful sauce coating every bite.

How to Make crockpot garlic butter beef bites

Step 1: Prepare the beef and potatoes

Start by placing the beef stew meat on one half of your crockpot and the baby Yukon gold potatoes on the other side. Keeping them separate helps each ingredient cook evenly while infusing their natural flavors.

Step 2: Season evenly

Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt over both the beef and the potatoes. This creates a well-rounded seasoning base that will soak into the meat and potatoes during cooking.

Step 3: Coat and arrange

Gently toss the beef to make sure it is evenly coated in the spices. But keep it separated from the potatoes to maintain the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Add fresh garlic

Scatter the chopped garlic over the meat and potatoes. The fresh garlic will release its fragrant oils, enhancing the richness of the dish as it simmers.

Step 5: Place butter pads

Distribute the butter pads over the entire surface of the beef and potatoes. As the butter melts, it will create a luscious sauce that brings everything together into one harmonious dish.

Step 6: Cook on low

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking time ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the potatoes soak up all those irresistible flavors.

Step 7: Finish and serve

Once cooking is complete, spoon the garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the crockpot over the beef and potatoes to coat them in that savory, buttery goodness. Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve crockpot garlic butter beef bites

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that lifts the savory, buttery notes of the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

While this recipe shines on its own, serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the crockpot garlic butter beef bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the beef bites on toasted baguette slices as a hearty appetizer or atop creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb variation that still celebrates those fantastic flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover crockpot garlic butter beef bites should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing their tender texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the beef bites and potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, spooning some of the garlic butter sauce over the meat and potatoes to keep everything moist and flavorful. Microwaving is fine in a pinch but stirring occasionally helps prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if the pieces are significantly larger.

Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

You can, though the slow cooking is key to the tenderness and melding of flavors. If using the oven, bake at a low temperature (around 300°F) in a covered dish for several hours until tender.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add carrots, celery, or green beans in the last couple of hours of cooking. Just be mindful of cooking times so the veggies don’t get too mushy.

Can I reduce the butter in this recipe?

You can reduce the butter if you prefer, but the butter is essential for creating that rich garlic butter flavor and silky sauce. Try cutting back slightly if needed but keep enough for taste and texture.

What is the best way to keep the potatoes from overcooking?

Using baby Yukon gold potatoes helps, as they hold their shape well. If you’re worried, you can add them to the crockpot an hour or two into the cooking time rather than at the very beginning.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the ease and flavor of crockpot garlic butter beef bites that makes it such a beloved dish. It brings together simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels both homey and indulgent. You owe it to yourself to give this recipe a try and discover how that magical combination of garlic, butter, beef, and potatoes can make any day taste like a celebration.

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