Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes transforms tough stew meat into fork-tender perfection that literally melts in your mouth. This slow cooker recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort – exactly what busy families need.
I still remember the first time I made this recipe during my 2017 competition prep, desperately craving comfort food but needing those protein numbers to hit my macros. My teenagers actually fought over the leftovers the next day, which told me everything I needed to know about whether healthy food could actually taste amazing. The rich garlic butter sauce coats every bite of tender beef and creamy potatoes, creating the kind of satisfying meal that keeps everyone happy and full. With 35 grams of protein per serving, it’s become my go-to when I need serious nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
I always choose well-marbled beef stew meat for this recipe because it becomes incredibly tender during the slow cooking process. My preference is chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces when I can’t find pre-cut stew meat – similar to what I use in my high protein chili.
- 1½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved – I recommend choosing potatoes of similar size for even cooking
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – My go-to tip is using fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – In my experience, this adds incredible depth to the dish
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth – I usually use low-sodium to control salt levels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend searing the beef first for maximum flavor development – it’s the secret to restaurant-quality results at home, just like I do with my crispy chilli beef rice.
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef pieces with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. The beef should develop a golden crust that locks in juices and prevents them from becoming tough.
Step 2: While beef sears, halve baby potatoes and place them in your slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the garlic butter sauce.
Step 3: Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker with potatoes. Pour garlic butter sauce over everything, ensuring even coverage. Add beef broth and gently stir to combine all ingredients without breaking the potato pieces.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and easily shred when done. If the beef still seems tough after the minimum cooking time, continue cooking for another 30 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld perfectly.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
This rich, savory dish pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables and lighter sides that balance the hearty garlic butter flavors.
High-Protein Breakfast Bowls Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, and carrots provide perfect contrast to the tender beef and creamy potatoes while adding essential vitamins and fiber.
Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad: This Mediterranean-inspired salad cuts through the rich garlic butter sauce with its bright vinaigrette and adds refreshing crunch that cleanses the palate between bites.
Cottage Cheese Flatbread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce – my family insists this is mandatory and it adds extra protein to the meal.
Steakhouse Potato Salad: When you want an indulgent meal, this loaded potato salad complements the beef beautifully while doubling down on the comfort food factor.
Simple Green Salad: A light vinaigrette-dressed salad provides cooling contrast to the warm, rich flavors while adding probiotics and fresh vegetables to round out the nutritional profile.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge.
For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore moisture. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir halfway through heating and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Pro tip: This recipe actually tastes even better the next day as flavors continue developing. I often make it on Sunday for easy weeknight dinners throughout the week. Try it with my high protein creamy garlic cheesy chicken potatoes for a complete protein-packed meal prep rotation.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes recipe proves that high-protein comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, and the results are absolutely incredible. Give this recipe a try – your family will thank you for the delicious, satisfying meal that delivers serious nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef pieces with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total.
- While beef sears, halve baby potatoes and place them in your slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker with potatoes. Pour garlic butter sauce over everything, ensuring even coverage. Add beef broth and gently stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
