If you are craving a meal that is bursting with rich flavors but still comes together with ultimate ease, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. This cozy dish perfectly marries tender beef bites with golden, buttery potatoes, all infused with the warm, irresistible aroma of garlic. Slow cooking draws out every bit of savory goodness, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful. Whether you want dinner to be fuss-free or are simply looking for a dish that comforts and satisfies, this recipe checks all the boxes beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this dish truly exceptional. Each item is straightforward and plays an essential role in building the flavors, textures, and inviting colors that make the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe such a crowd-pleaser.
- Beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes: This cut becomes tender and juicy, soaking up all the rich flavors from the garlic butter sauce.
- Baby potatoes, halved: These little gems roast up soft inside and crispy on the outside to perfectly complement the beef.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The star of the show, providing that heady, aromatic punch everyone loves.
- Beef broth: Keeps the beef moist and creates a flavorful base for cooking.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Adds an herby brightness that balances the richness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and elevating every ingredient.
- Olive oil: For a subtle fruity undertone and to help crisp the potatoes slightly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Potatoes
Start by cutting your beef into bite-sized cubes and halving the baby potatoes so they cook evenly. Toss both in olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure every piece is seasoned nicely. This simple prep makes a world of difference in flavor and texture after slow cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Butter
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant and golden, but not burnt—this is what infuses the whole dish with that rich, buttery garlic flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the garlic butter mixture to the slow cooker, then add the beef cubes and baby potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and toss everything gently to coat. Toss in a few fresh thyme sprigs to lift the flavors with subtle herbal notes.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are perfectly soft. The slow cooker works its magic here, melding all the flavors into a harmonious, succulent dish.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Remove the thyme sprigs and give everything one final gentle stir to coat the beef and potatoes evenly with that luscious garlic butter sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives atop your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe brings a pop of color and a mild herbaceous brightness that complements the rich sauce beautifully. A little cracked black pepper adds a finishing touch of warmth and aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans work wonderfully. Their fresh crunch and acidity provide a lovely contrast to the creamy, buttery beef and potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic yet elegant look, serve this dish in a cast-iron skillet straight from the slow cooker, letting everyone scoop their portions tableside. Alternatively, use small ramekins for individual servings to add a cozy, personalized touch that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers from your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the beef tender and to evenly distribute the garlic butter sauce. Adding a splash of beef broth can help bring back moisture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast works best for its tenderness and flavor, you can experiment with sirloin or brisket. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.
Is it necessary to brown the garlic and butter first?
Yes, sautéing the garlic in butter first helps unlock its full aroma and sweetness, which infuses the entire dish with that signature garlic butter taste. It’s a small step with a big payoff!
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely. Carrots, onions, or mushrooms are fantastic additions that complement the beef and potatoes. Just add them towards the beginning so they cook down perfectly alongside the main ingredients.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme can be used in a pinch—just use about half the amount since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, rosemary or oregano provides a slightly different, but just as lovely, herbal flavor.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop or oven instead?
Yes! You can brown the beef and potatoes, then simmer everything gently on the stove or bake covered in the oven at low heat until tender. The slow cooker just makes it exceptionally convenient and hands-off.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to a warm, hearty meal that practically made itself throughout the day. The Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe is one of those gems that combines simplicity, comfort, and irresistible flavor into one cozy dish. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen as it has become in mine!
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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1-8 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Enjoy authentic Thai flavors with these succulent grilled chicken skewers marinated in a zesty coconut sauce and served with a creamy coconut peanut dipping sauce. Perfectly charred and packed with aromatic spices, this dish is a delightful main course that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Coconut Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon red curry paste (or more to taste)
- Warm water, as needed for thinning
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, and ginger until combined. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
- Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the soaked wooden skewers, ensuring they are spaced comfortably for even cooking.
- Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This step ensures a perfect sear and light char on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Cook the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even char and ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. The exterior should have those characteristic grill marks and the meat should reach a safe internal temperature.
- Make the Coconut Peanut Sauce: While the chicken is grilling, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and red curry paste in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk to blend smoothly. Add warm water as needed to achieve a pourable consistency. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken skewers and serve warm alongside the coconut peanut sauce for dipping or drizzling, garnished with optional chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges for extra brightness and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven or pan-sear them on the stovetop as an alternative cooking method.
- Adjust the amount of red curry paste in the sauce to control the level of spiciness to your preference.
