Hey there, friends! It’s Janet from Life With Janet, and today I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite slow cooker recipes—the kind that saves your sanity on hectic weeknights. Picture this: tender beef bites, buttery potatoes, and a garlicky sauce so good you’ll want to drink it with a spoon. The best part? You toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe Works for Real Life
We’ve all had those days—the ones where you’re scrambling between work, school drop-offs, and that never-ending pile of laundry. This recipe is my go-to when I need something hearty, delicious, and truly effortless. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Affordable ingredients: Stew meat is budget-friendly and transforms into melt-in-your-mouth bites after hours in the slow cooker.
- Minimal prep: No chopping onions or browning meat. Just layer and go.
- Family-friendly flavor: Garlic butter is a crowd-pleaser, and even picky eaters will devour the potatoes.
- Leftover magic: Repurpose leftovers into tacos, pasta, or a next-day breakfast hash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6)
- 1.5 lbs stew beef (chuck or round work perfectly)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (scrubbed clean; halve larger ones)
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced, or 1.5 tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and umami)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary for a fresh twist)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Layer the Potatoes
Place the baby potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Season the Beef
In a large bowl, toss the stew beef with smoked paprika, dried thyme, 1 tsp kosher salt, and ½ tsp black pepper until evenly coated. - Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Scatter the seasoned beef bites over the potatoes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (or HIGH for 4-5 hours). Resist the urge to stir—this keeps the potatoes intact and prevents them from becoming mushy. - Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to coat the beef and potatoes in the garlic butter sauce. Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. For an extra touch, pair with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Potato size matters: Halve larger baby potatoes so they cook evenly. Smaller ones can stay whole.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire: It adds a savory depth that balances the richness of the butter.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir it into the slow cooker, and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
- Make it ahead: Prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, dump everything into the slow cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen beef?
A: Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking. Frozen beef will release excess liquid and may dilute the sauce.
Q: My slow cooker is small. Can I adjust the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Halve the ingredients for a 4-quart slow cooker, or use a 6-quart if cooking the full batch.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Toss in carrots, green beans, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking. Avoid adding watery veggies (like zucchini) too early.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Let the dish cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter. The flavor will still be delicious!
Serving Suggestions
- Comfort food plate: Pair with steamed green beans and a dollop of mashed cauliflower.
- Next-day reinvented: Shred leftover beef, mix with potatoes, and stuff into tortillas with cheese for beef tacos.
- Cozy brunch: Top a fried egg with leftover beef and potatoes for a hearty breakfast hash.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs stew beef
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved if large
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Layer potatoes in the slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Toss beef with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Scatter over potatoes.
- Whisk melted butter, garlic, Worcestershire, and broth. Pour over beef and potatoes.
- Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (or HIGH for 4-5 hours).
- Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread.
