Hey there! So, I’ve got this little gem of a recipe for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes. It’s one of those dishes that fills the whole house with a warm, cozy smell that makes you feel all sorts of happy. I stumbled upon it on a rainy weekend, you know, when you just want something easy but still like a big hug in a bowl? And let me tell you, it’s been a hit ever since! (Even the picky eaters love it!)
Why You’ll Love This
I tend to pull out this recipe when the weather starts to nudge its way into colder territory—my family goes absolutely crackers for it! There’s something about the buttery garlic sauce that just makes everyone want seconds. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so I can kick back and enjoy a cuppa (or sneak in an episode of that show I’m binge-watching) while it does its thing. Oh, and if you’ve ever wondered what to do with that random pack of beef bites you found on sale, well, this is it. Trust me, you’ll be a hero at dinnertime.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (I sometimes go for chuck roast if it’s on sale)
- 5 medium potatoes, cubed (red or gold, whichever you fancy)
- 1/2 cup butter (I swear by salted, but you do you)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (or just a generous spoonful if you’re a garlic lover like me)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (you can swap this with rosemary if that’s what you’ve got)
- Salt & pepper, to taste (my mom always says, “You gotta taste as you go!”)
- Optional: A splash of beef broth, if you like things saucy
Directions
- First things first, toss your beef bites in a bit of salt and pepper. Really get those flavors in there.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the garlic. Let it get all fragrant and lovely. This is when I usually sneak a taste, shh!
- Pour the butter-garlic goodness over your beef in the slow cooker. Add the potatoes and thyme.
- Cook on low for about 6-8 hours. Trust me, don’t rush this step—once I tried to speed things up and it wasn’t as magical.
- If you want it a bit saucier, add a splash of beef broth about halfway through.
Notes
I’ve tried skipping the browning step, and while it’s okay, the extra flavor you get is worth the few extra minutes. Also, if the sauce feels too buttery (is that a thing?), a squeeze of lemon at the end does wonders.
Variations
Once, I tried adding carrots—didn’t love it, personally. But hey, you might! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some mushrooms. They soak up the flavors beautifully.
Equipment
If you don’t have a slow cooker, an oven at a low setting works too, just keep an eye on it. I’ve been there without a slow cooker and made do with my trusty Dutch oven.
Storage Info
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But honestly, it never lasts more than a day in my house! It’s that good.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this with a side of crusty bread (perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce) and maybe a green salad if I’m feeling virtuous.
Pro Tips
I once tried adding the potatoes at the very start, but they ended up too mushy for my liking. I’ve learned it’s better to add them a bit later if you prefer them firmer.
FAQ
Q: Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! Pork works well, though I’d adjust the cooking time down a bit.
Q: How garlicky is this?
It’s delightfully garlicky! But if you’re not a garlic fan (really?), start with fewer cloves.
Q: Can I prep this the night before?
Sure thing! Just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and you’re golden.