A comforting meal that brings warmth to your table, Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. This dish features tender beef bites cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, complemented by flavorful baby potatoes. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special occasion, this hearty recipe guarantees satisfaction and delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The garlic butter sauce elevates the taste of the beef and potatoes, creating a deliciously comforting dish.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip this up without much hassle.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe fits any occasion.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day; just set it and forget it!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavors of these garlic butter beef bites.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth. Having everything ready lets you focus on creating your delicious Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Ideal for searing the beef bites, ensuring they develop a rich brown crust that enhances flavor.
- Slow cooker: This tool allows for low-and-slow cooking, making the beef incredibly tender while infusing flavors throughout.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients like the garlic butter sauce without any mess.
- Cutting board & Knife: Essential for prepping your ingredients efficiently and safely.
Ingredients
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef bites and flavorful baby potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce.
For the Beef Bites
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)
For the Potatoes
- 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted for the garlic butter sauce.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste.)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning.)
- 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist.)
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. Halve the baby potatoes for even cooking.
Step 2: Optional – Parboil Potatoes
If desired, parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Sear Beef Bites
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides, which helps lock in flavor.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create a rich garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, place halved baby potatoes followed by seared beef. Pour the aromatic garlic butter sauce over everything and add beef broth to keep it moist.
Step 6: Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once cooked, let your dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Serving Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to any table. The rich flavors of the garlic butter sauce combined with tender beef and baby potatoes make for an inviting meal that can be enjoyed in various ways.
Family Style
- Offer the dish in a large serving bowl for everyone to help themselves. This creates a communal atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving. This adds a vibrant color and enhances the dish’s aroma.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- Serve alongside slices of crusty bread. It’s great for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Paired with Salad
- A light side salad can complement the richness of the beef bites. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the meal.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
To elevate your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.
- Choose Quality Meat – Using high-quality beef stew meat ensures tenderness and richer flavor throughout the cooking process.
- Don’t Skip Browning – Searing the beef bites before adding them to the slow cooker develops deeper flavors that will enhance your dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time – Depending on your slow cooker, monitor the cooking time closely; overcooking can lead to dry beef.
- Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add other spices like cayenne or Italian seasoning for an extra kick or different flavor profile.
- Use Fresh Garlic – Fresh minced garlic provides a stronger flavor than pre-packaged versions, enriching your garlic butter sauce.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps retain moisture and makes it easier to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Pairing sides with your Garlic Butter Beef Bites can enhance the meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Steamed Broccoli – A simple side that adds nutrients without overpowering flavors; just steam until bright green.
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for those who love garlic! Bake slices of bread topped with butter and garlic until golden brown.
- Roasted Carrots – Sweet and caramelized when roasted, they provide a delightful contrast to savory beef bites.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the main dish.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs makes an excellent base for soaking up extra sauce.
- Mashed Cauliflower – A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, this creamy side adds comfort without heaviness.
- Grilled Asparagus – Lightly charred asparagus drizzled with olive oil brings an elegant touch to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements savory dishes beautifully; grill or boil for best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the searing step: Searing the beef adds depth and flavor. Don’t skip this; it’s essential for a rich taste.
- Overcooking the potatoes: If parboiling, avoid overcooking. This can make them mushy in the final dish. Just soften them slightly.
- Not measuring spices accurately: Incorrect measurements can lead to an imbalance in flavor. Use a measuring spoon for accuracy.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold beef can affect cooking time and texture. Let your beef come to room temperature before cooking.
- Ignoring resting time: Letting the dish rest after cooking allows flavors to meld and enhances enjoyment. Don’t rush this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.
Can I use different cuts of beef for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute other cuts like chuck roast or sirloin. However, ensure they are tender cuts for best results.
How do I enhance the flavor of Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
You can add more herbs or spices such as fresh parsley or chili flakes for added kick and aroma.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
These bites pair well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
How long does it take to cook Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
Cooking times vary based on your slow cooker settings; expect around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes offer a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding seasonal vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste. Try it today for a cozy dinner that your family will love!
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to your table. This hearty dish features tender beef cubes simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with flavorful baby potatoes. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe, ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you’re facing a chilly evening or celebrating a special occasion, this dish promises to delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound baby potatoes (halved)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces and halving the baby potatoes.
- Optional: Parboil the potatoes for a few minutes until slightly softened.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to make the garlic butter sauce.
- In a slow cooker, layer halved baby potatoes followed by seared beef bites. Pour the garlic butter sauce over everything and add beef broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Allow resting for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: Comfort food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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