Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Let me introduce you to the heavenly delights of Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes. Imagine tender, juicy beef just melting in your mouth while surrounded by the buttery goodness of garlic-infused potatoes. This dish is truly a game-changer, perfect for impressing friends or just using as an excuse to eat all the garlic butter goodness by yourself. Let’s get right into it!
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes this recipe worthy of your precious time you ask? First off, it’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up. Seriously, it hardly requires any culinary expertise. If you can use a skillet and a slow cooker, congratulations, you’re ready to rock this recipe. The best part? You can set it and forget it. So while it slowly transforms in your slow cooker, you can binge-watch your favorite show or take that much-needed selfie for Instagram. Plus, the heavenly aroma of garlic butter cooking away is practically a free invitation for compliments when you finally serve it. Who doesn’t love a good ego boost, right?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to get your flavor party started. Grab a pen and jot down these ingredients (or just take a screenshot; we live in the digital age, after all).
- 1.5 pounds Beef stew meat (Cut into bite-sized pieces; don’t worry, they don’t have to be perfect, just edible)
- 1 pound Baby potatoes (Halved for even cooking; because no one wants a cold potato)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Melted for the garlic butter sauce; yes, please)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for flavor; seriously, don’t skip this)
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Adds depth to the flavor; fancy, huh?)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (For a smoky flavor; it’s like a camping trip for your taste buds)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme (Enhances the aroma; it really does make a difference)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried rosemary (Adds a fragrant touch; your house will smell divine)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste; because what even is flavor without salt)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (For seasoning; just a pinch, please)
- 0.25 cup Beef broth (To keep the dish moist; nobody likes a dry meal)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For searing the beef; because why not)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s break this down into easy-peasy steps. Just follow along and soon you’ll be the proud creator of this delicious dish
- Gather all ingredients and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. Pro tip: the smaller, the tastier
- Halve the baby potatoes for even cooking; nobody likes a half-done potato
- Optional: Parboil the baby potatoes for a few minutes to soften them slightly. This will speed things up if you want to take a shortcut; I won’t tell anyone, promise
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef bites until browned on all sides. Get that gorgeous color; it’s important for looks and flavor
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the garlic butter sauce. Stir it until all the flavors cuddle together
- In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth. It’s like giving it a spa day, trust me
- 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. This is when you can kick back and relax
- Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. I know, it’s hard to wait, but it’s totally worth it
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now that you’re a master chef, let’s talk about some classic blunders that might trip you up
- Thinking you don’t need to preheat the slow cooker: Rookie mistake. Just don’t do it. Your beef deserves a warm welcome
- Skipping the searing step: Look, I know you’re eager to dive in, but searing locks in flavor. Trust the process and don’t be lazy
- Overcrowding the skillet: You want room for that beef to breathe and show off its beautiful brown crust. Treat it right
- Ignoring resting time: Patience, my friend. Letting the dish rest is key for richer flavors. Plus, it gives you a moment to mentally prepare for the feast ahead
Alternatives & Substitutions
Maybe you’re out of something or feeling a bit adventurous. Here are some easy swaps
- Beef stew meat: Not a beef fan? Try chicken thighs or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option
- Baby potatoes: Any potatoes will work; just chop them into similar sizes. But why would you want to mess with baby potatoes? They’re cute
- Smoked paprika: If you’re not into smoky flavors, sweet paprika or even chili powder can save the day
- Dried herbs: Fresh herbs can absolutely spice things up. Use about three times the amount if fresh; be brave
- Beef broth: Vegetable broth works if you’re going for a lighter version. Don’t ask why—it just does
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Curious minds have questions. Let’s tackle the FAQs, shall we
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is life
Do I have to use a slow cooker? Nope! You can roast this baby in the oven at 350°F for about an hour or until you achieve beefy bliss
Are baby potatoes a must? Not at all. You can use regular potatoes but beware of the peeling; it’s a messy business
What if I don’t have garlic? So now you want to live your life without garlic? It’s your flavor karma. But you could use garlic powder. Just don’t tell the garlic police
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely; just make sure to store them in an airtight container or you’ll end up with an unfortunate science experiment in your freezer
How do I know when the beef is tender? You can test it with a fork. If it pulls apart easily, you’re golden. If it’s still tough, just be patient. Good things take time
Can I add veggies? Totally, throw in some carrots or peas if you’re feeling colorful. Just remember that the more you add, the less room for your beloved beef bites
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, folks. Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is a dish worth your time and taste buds. Now go impress someone – or yourself – with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it. Grab a plate, dig in, and bask in the glory of a successful meal. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
Tender, juicy beef bites surrounded by garlic-infused buttery potatoes, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself.
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 and cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve the baby potatoes for even cooking.
- 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 the garlic butter sauce.
- In the slow cooker, place the halved baby potatoes and seared beef. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the top and add beef broth.
- 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.
- Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Be sure to sear the beef for extra flavor and let the dish rest for richer flavors.