Are you looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes! This delicious dish features tender beef bites, perfectly seasoned potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s all made effortlessly in the slow cooker, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish, answer some frequently asked questions, provide variations, and even offer keto and low-carb versions for those watching their carb intake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use a variety of beef cuts for this dish, such as sirloin, stew meat, or chuck roast. Just be sure to cut the beef into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Q: Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker? A: While browning the beef can add extra flavor, it’s not necessary for this recipe. The beef will cook low and slow in the slow cooker, allowing it to become tender and flavorful without any pre-cooking required.
Q: Can I use other herbs besides thyme and rosemary? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or seasoning blends to customize the flavor of this dish. Italian seasoning, oregano, or even a touch of smoked paprika would all work well.
Q: How long should I cook this dish in the slow cooker? A: Cook times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your beef and potatoes. Generally, cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours should be sufficient. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is tender and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
- Season the Beef: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place the beef bites in the slow cooker and pour the butter mixture over the top, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add the Potatoes: Arrange the halved or quartered baby potatoes around the beef in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker along with the beef and potatoes. Carrots, bell peppers, onions, or green beans would all be delicious additions.
- Herb Substitutions: Don’t have dried thyme or rosemary on hand? You can use fresh herbs instead. Simply chop them finely and use about three times the amount called for in the recipe.
- Broil for Crispy Texture: For an extra crispy texture, transfer the cooked beef and potatoes to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, simply omit the potatoes or replace them with low-carb alternatives such as cauliflower florets or turnips. You can also use ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a delicious dinner with your loved ones. Give this recipe a try and savor the irresistible flavors of tender beef, savory garlic butter, and perfectly seasoned potatoes!
