There's nothing quite like coming home to the rich, savory aroma of Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes filling your kitchen. Tender, juicy beef bites soak up a garlicky butter sauce, while perfectly cooked potatoes absorb every bit of the delicious flavor.

I first made this recipe on a chilly weekend when I wanted something hearty but effortless. After the first bite, my family was hooked, and now it's one of our favorite comfort meals. The best part? It’s a dump-and-go slow cooker meal that takes just minutes to prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite slow cooker meal! This dish is the ultimate combination of convenience, flavor, and heartiness.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. No complicated steps or constant monitoring required.

Second, the flavor is out of this world. The garlic butter sauce infuses the beef and potatoes with deep, rich taste, making every bite absolutely irresistible.

It's also a complete meal in one pot. No need for side dishes – you get protein, potatoes, and a flavorful sauce all in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Finally, this recipe is super budget-friendly. It uses affordable beef cuts that turn incredibly tender after slow cooking, and simple pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a total winner!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes comes from simple, wholesome ingredients that blend beautifully together.

Beef Bites

For the best texture, use beef stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips. These cuts become melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked. If using chuck roast, cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Potatoes

I recommend using baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. Their creamy texture holds up well in the slow cooker, and they absorb all that garlicky butter goodness. Cut them in half if they’re large.

Garlic Butter Sauce

A combination of butter, fresh garlic, and beef broth creates a rich, savory sauce. If you love extra garlic flavor, feel free to add more!

Seasonings

A mix of salt, black pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme enhances the dish with deep, comforting flavors. Don’t skip the smoked paprika – it adds a subtle, smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the beef.

Optional Add-Ins

Carrots or Mushrooms – For added vegetables and sweetness
Red Pepper Flakes – If you like a little heat
Fresh Parsley – For a pop of freshness before serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Making this dish is incredibly simple – just a few steps, and your slow cooker does the rest!

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by cutting your beef into bite-sized pieces (if not pre-cut) and halving your potatoes. Mince the garlic and gather all your seasonings.

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional, But Recommended!)

For extra flavor, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites in a little butter or oil for 2-3 minutes per side. This creates a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the taste of the final dish. If you're short on time, you can skip this step and add the beef directly to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place the potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the beef on top. Sprinkle with seasonings and pour in the beef broth. Finally, drizzle the melted butter and minced garlic over everything.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

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.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Once done, stir everything gently, then garnish with fresh parsley. If you like a thicker sauce, remove some of the cooking liquid, mix with a little cornstarch, and return it to the slow cooker for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage Options

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat

Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or butter if needed.
Slow Cooker: If reheating a large batch, warm on LOW for about 1 hour.

Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily customizable it is!

Different Protein Options

Chicken Thighs – Use boneless, skinless thighs for a lighter but still flavorful version.
Pork Shoulder – A great alternative that also turns fall-apart tender.
Venison or Lamb – For a unique, gamey twist.

Make It Creamy

Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.

Add More Vegetables

Toss in carrots, mushrooms, or green beans to add more nutrition and variety to your meal.

Swap the Seasonings

Try adding Italian seasoning, cajun spice, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Turn It Into a One-Pot Casserole

Once cooked, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and broil for a few minutes for a cheesy, golden topping.