Slow cooker meals are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, but when you combine tender beef, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce, you get something truly special. This recipe for Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is everything you want in a comforting dinner — easy to prep, packed with flavor, and so hearty it satisfies even the biggest appetites. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or feed a hungry family, this dish will quickly earn its place in your weekly rotation.
Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes if you’re looking for another cozy, crockpot classic that delivers every time.
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Why You’ll Love Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
A fuss-free slow cooker meal for busy nights
When time is tight but you still want a home-cooked meal, this recipe comes to the rescue. With minimal prep and only one pot to clean, you simply toss everything into the slow cooker and go about your day. By the time you’re home, the rich aroma of garlic butter and seasoned beef welcomes you to a hot, satisfying dinner.
Mouthwatering garlic butter flavor in every bite
There’s something magical about garlic and butter together — it’s savory, comforting, and deeply flavorful. Combine that with juicy beef cubes and starchy potatoes that soak up all the goodness, and you’ve got a one-pot wonder. Plus, the garlic isn’t overpowering — it gently infuses every bite, making it a hit for both garlic lovers and skeptics alike.
Kid-approved, family-friendly, and budget-conscious
Let’s be honest: beef and potatoes are a classic combo for a reason. This dish is picky-eater approved and stretches ingredients to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Using affordable cuts of beef and pantry-staple seasonings means you get a gourmet-tasting dish at a fraction of the price of eating out.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings for another slow cooker dinner the whole family will beg for again.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Crockpot Favorite
Choosing the right cut of beef for tender bites
Not all cuts are created equal when it comes to slow cooking. For this dish, chuck roast, sirloin, or even stew meat work beautifully. These cuts have enough marbling and connective tissue to break down over time, resulting in juicy, fork-tender beef. Cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking to help them absorb more flavor.
Best type of potatoes to use in the slow cooker
Yellow or gold potatoes are ideal — they hold their shape and develop a buttery texture as they cook. If you don’t have them, red potatoes make a solid substitute. Skip russets; they tend to break down too much and become mushy. Don’t forget to cut them into similar-sized chunks so everything cooks evenly.
The magic of garlic butter and seasonings
Here’s where the flavor really shines. This dish uses:
- Minced garlic (fresh is best!)
- Garlic powder + onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Steak seasoning (your favorite blend — use what you love!)
- Butter – we recommend unsalted so you can control the saltiness
Toss everything together so the butter and seasonings evenly coat the meat and potatoes before cooking. The result? A rich, buttery coating that soaks into every bite.
Discover great ideas like our Ground Beef Stovetop Chili if you want another hearty, beef-forward dinner idea.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Step-by-step slow cooker instructions
- Prep the ingredients – Cut the beef and potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
- Add everything to the slow cooker – Toss in the garlic, seasonings, and cubed butter. Mix well to coat.
- Set it and forget it – Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
- Serve hot – Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra seasoning, and enjoy!
Check out our Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for another slow cooker meal you’ll fall in love with at first bite.
Tips for prepping ingredients ahead of time
Busy mornings? Prep the night before! Cut the beef and potatoes, store them in an airtight container, and refrigerate. You can also pre-mix the seasonings in a small baggie. In the morning, just toss everything into the slow cooker and go.
Cooking time, settings, and doneness checks
Stick with the LOW setting to let flavors develop slowly and avoid overcooked potatoes. Check for doneness at 4 hours — a fork should easily pierce the potatoes, and the beef should be juicy and tender, not dry or chewy.
Don’t miss our Wendy’s Chili Delicious Recipe for another restaurant-style slow cooker dish you can recreate at home.
Customizing and Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Ingredient swaps (red potatoes, garlic salt, etc.)
One of the best things about Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is its flexibility. While the classic combo uses yellow potatoes and minced garlic, you can easily swap in:
- Red potatoes – hold their shape well and offer a slightly waxier bite
- Garlic salt – can replace both garlic and regular salt if you’re in a pinch (just reduce added salt)
- Baby carrots or pearl onions – to bulk up the dish with more veggies
- Thyme or rosemary – for a more herbaceous twist
Want even more variety? Add mushrooms in the last hour of cooking or sprinkle shredded cheese over the top before serving for a creamy finish.
Check out our Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken for another creative crockpot meal with customizable ingredients.
Pair it with veggie sides or crusty bread
While this dish is already hearty, pairing it with a simple veggie side rounds out the meal beautifully. Consider:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Steamed broccoli | Light and fresh to balance the richness |
| Roasted asparagus | Adds a crisp, earthy contrast |
| Green salad | Keeps things cool and crunchy |
| Garlic bread or rolls | Perfect for sopping up leftover sauce |
Or go the extra mile with a warm baguette and herb butter on the side. You’ll want every drop of that garlic butter sauce!
Don’t miss our Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipe – it’s an excellent option if you’re planning leftovers for brunch.
Sauces and dips that go great with beef bites
The beef bites are rich and flavorful enough to stand on their own, but if you’re the sauce-dipping type, here are some killer matches:
- Classic A1 Steak Sauce – tangy and bold
- Worcestershire Sauce – a drizzle adds depth
- Horseradish cream – for a spicy punch
- Herb aioli – creamy, garlicky, and indulgent
Want to dial up the flavor even more? Sprinkle grated parmesan or chopped green onions on top right before serving.
Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Ideas
How to properly store and reheat leftovers
This dish stores like a dream. Once cooled, place leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between
- Stovetop: Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of broth or butter
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on LOW if you have a large batch
The garlic butter sauce may solidify in the fridge, but it melts right back into silky deliciousness when reheated.
Discover great ideas like our Crockpot Swedish Meatballs for make-ahead meals that stay flavorful for days.
Freezer tips for batch cooking
Want to save time later? You can freeze this dish in two ways:
- Raw (before cooking):
Combine beef, potatoes, and seasonings in a freezer bag. Freeze flat. Thaw overnight and dump into the crockpot with butter when ready. - Cooked (after cooking):
Store cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat using the methods above.
Label everything clearly so you never forget what you’re pulling out on a busy weeknight.
How to repurpose leftovers creatively
Transform your leftovers into completely new meals:
- Beef-stuffed baked potatoes – scoop on top of a hot baked spud with cheese
- Beef and veggie hash – pan-fry with eggs in the morning
- Loaded wraps – roll in a tortilla with fresh greens and ranch
- Beef pot pie filling – mix with a bit of broth and place under a pastry crust
These easy tricks keep things fresh and prevent food fatigue.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Cheesy Garlic Bombs Recipe as a side or as a creative wrap-around for leftover beef bites.
Crockpot Beef FAQs
How long does it take to cook beef in a crockpot?
Typically, beef cubes become fork-tender in 4–5 hours on LOW in the crockpot. The key is to let the connective tissues break down slowly. Avoid rushing the process on HIGH, which can dry out the beef.
Can you put raw beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can absolutely add raw beef directly into the crockpot. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. The heat in the crockpot will safely cook the meat over time.
How do you keep beef moist in a slow cooker?
The secret is low and slow cooking combined with plenty of fat (like butter) or liquids. In this recipe, the garlic butter not only adds flavor but locks in moisture so the beef stays juicy.
What’s the best way to add garlic butter to meat in a crockpot?
Cut cold butter into cubes and toss it with the meat and potatoes at the start. As it melts slowly, it infuses the dish with garlic richness. You can also melt the butter first and drizzle it in if you prefer even coating.
Conclusion
If you’re after a no-fuss dinner that’s packed with rich flavor and comforting texture, Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes is your go-to. This one-pot wonder delivers everything you want: tender beef, soft buttery potatoes, and that irresistible garlic butter sauce — all without standing over a stove. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and incredibly easy to make ahead or repurpose for the week.
Looking for more cozy recipes? Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Beef Curry — it’s another slow-cooked gem loaded with bold flavors.
PrintCrockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
Tender beef cubes and golden potatoes slow-cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. This crockpot meal is an easy, flavorful comfort dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 lbs yellow potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp steak seasoning (your favorite blend)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Cut the steak and potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
- Place all ingredients into a slow cooker.
- Toss well to ensure even coating of butter and seasoning.
- Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until potatoes are tender and beef is fully cooked.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or extra seasoning.
Notes
- Red potatoes can be used instead of yellow potatoes.
- Substitute garlic salt for garlic and regular salt for extra flavor.
- Prep ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
- Add mushrooms during the last hour for variation.
- Leftovers can be repurposed into wraps, hash, or pot pies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
