Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender beef and creamy baby potatoes with a savory garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal full of comfort.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes. First, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning less hassle in the kitchen and fewer dishes to wash! The tender beef paired with flavorful potatoes creates a satisfying blend that can please everyone at the dinner table. Additionally, the simplicity of the ingredients makes the dish approachable for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, it’s an excellent option for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal with family and friends.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Creating Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a fantastic dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
- 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking.)
- 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.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef.)
Directions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Optional: You may choose to parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef bites until they are browned on all sides. This step builds flavor.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create your garlic butter sauce.
- In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and the seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top, then add the beef broth to keep the dish moist.
- 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.
- Once done, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the dish cool slightly.
Pro Tips for Success with Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality beef stew meat will enhance the overall taste and tenderness of the dish.
- Searing the Meat: Don’t skip searing the beef; it locks in juices and adds a beautiful color and additional flavor to your meal.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. More garlic can add a delicious kick, while an extra sprinkle of dried herbs can elevate the aroma.
- Vegetable Add-ins: You can sneak in other vegetables like carrots or green beans to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps the flavors meld together, making each bite more delicious.
- Use the Broth Wisely: Adding the right amount of beef broth keeps the dish moist and prevents it from drying out in the slow cooker.
Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Spice It Up: Add a touch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Swap out thyme and rosemary for Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Additional Aromatics: Toss in chopped onions or bell peppers with the beef for an extra layer of flavor.
- Different Potatoes: Experiment with red potatoes or sweet potatoes for a unique twist on the classic dish.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top once it’s done cooking for a gooey, melty finish.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes can be served with various sides to create a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Salad: Pair the meal with a light and refreshing salad, like a mixed greens salad with vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the beef and potatoes.
- Steamed Vegetables: Adding a side of steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can enhance the meal’s nutritional value and add a pop of color.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
If you find yourself with leftovers (or you want to meal prep), store your Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For long-term storage, consider freezing the dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————–|—————|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
FAQ About Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is a great choice due to its tenderness after slow cooking, you can substitute it with chuck roast or even sirloin. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this dish on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After searing the beef and adding all the ingredients, cover and simmer the dish on low heat for about 1-2 hours or until the beef is tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level, adding extra beef broth if necessary.
What should I do if the beef isn’t tender after it’s cooked?
If your beef doesn’t reach the fork-tender state by the end of the cooking time, simply let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. Slow cooking can vary depending on the size of the meat pieces and the specific slow cooker model.
Can I use frozen potatoes or beef?
For best results, use fresh ingredients; however, if you have frozen diced beef or potatoes, you can still use them. Just be mindful that cooking time may vary, and it’s advisable to thaw them beforehand for even cooking.
How can I enhance the garlic flavor?
If you’re a garlic lover, using some garlic cloves instead of minced garlic can provide a more robust flavor. Additionally, roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce can create a sweet and mellow garlic taste.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying meal. With easy preparation and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers hearty comfort food that warms the soul. Enjoy this delightful dish, and don’t forget to customize it with your favorite flavors!
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Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful one-pot meal combining tender beef and creamy baby potatoes in a savory garlic butter sauce.
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 (or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients; cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and halve the baby potatoes.
- Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned on all sides.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create garlic butter sauce.
- In the slow cooker, place halved potatoes and seared beef, then pour garlic butter sauce over top and add beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Let dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality beef stew meat for better tenderness. You can also add other vegetables for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
