There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes wafting through your home, filling it with warmth and inviting everyone to gather around the table. Packed with tender beef and creamy potatoes, this dish not only delivers on flavor but also comes together in a way that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet delicious enough for a Sunday family dinner. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
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Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Tender beef bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with creamy baby potatoes, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 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
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. Halve the baby potatoes.
- Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
- In a slow cooker, add halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce and beef broth over.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For perfect results, choose marbled beef for tenderness, and don’t rush the searing process. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor. This dish can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
The Story Behind This Dish
Growing up, my family had this beautiful tradition where Sundays were meant for cooking together. My mom’s way of bringing us closer was to whip up hearty meals that we could savor as we all sat around the table, sharing laughs and stories. One of the crowd-pleasers was always a beef dish, but my version takes it up a notch with a garlicky, buttery twist that will remind you of those cozy family nights.
Imagine the delight on my children’s faces when they come running home from school, drawn in by the rich aroma of garlic and beef sizzling on the stove. It’s a scene that paints itself into my heart — the laughter, the anticipation, and the joy of sharing a meal that not only fills our stomachs but warms our souls.
Let’s Cook It Together
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 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
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Step-by-Step Directions
- Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. Halve the baby potatoes.
- Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
- In a slow cooker, add halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce and beef broth over.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Values
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you full longer without feeling heavy.
Best Ways to Serve It
Serve these Garlic Butter Beef Bites with a side of steamed vegetables for a delightful dinner. A light salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing palate cleanse and makes this meal feel even more special. Pile everything on a big family-style platter, and let everyone serve themselves — it encourages sharing and laughter, perfect for any family gathering.
For drinks, a glass of red wine complements the richness of the beef beautifully, while sparkling water with a twist of lemon keeps things light. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a lively Sunday dinner, this dish is sure to impress!
Keeping It Fresh
If you have any leftovers (although I doubt there’ll be much!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the portions. Let them cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Beef Quality: Choose marbled beef stew meat for more tenderness and rich flavor.
- Don’t Rush: Letting the beef sear properly creates a crust that enhances its taste.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish further; consider rosemary or thyme straight from your garden.
- Adjust the Spice: For a bit more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic sauce works beautifully.
- Potato Choices: While baby potatoes are perfect, you can opt for Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor twist.
Creative Twists to Try
Feel free to play around with the ingredients! For a smoky twist, add chorizo or smoked sausage bits to the mix. If you want to make it a bit heartier, toss in some carrots or bell peppers with the potatoes. For a sweeter touch, a sprinkle of brown sugar in the garlic butter sauce can provide a delicious contrast to the savory beef.
FAQs
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It freezes well for up to three months.
What’s the best substitute for beef stew meat?
Chuck roast is a fantastic alternative and is often more affordable. You can also use brisket or even a leaner cut like sirloin, but it may not be as tender.
How long will this stay fresh?
In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about three days if stored properly in an airtight container. When frozen, it can last for up to three months!
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Of course! Just make sure your slow cooker can handle the extra volume, or consider cooking in batches. More delicious beef bites to enjoy during the week are always a plus!