Garlic ButterBeefBites

⭐ Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes (Slow Cooker)

A rich, buttery, fall-apart tender beef dinner made right in your Crockpot! These Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes cook low and slow in the most flavorful gravy — perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners.

📝 Ingredients

Beef & Vegetables

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin chunks

  • 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (whole or halved)

  • 3–4 large carrots, cut into big chunks

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning or 1 tbsp homemade ranch mix

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Salt to taste

Garlic Butter Gravy

  • ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

  • 1 tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Layer the Crockpot

  1. Add baby potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker.

  2. Add carrots and onions on top.

  3. Season the beef with ranch, paprika, onion powder, thyme, pepper, and salt.

  4. Place the seasoned beef over the vegetables.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Melted butter

  • Minced garlic

  • Garlic powder

  • Worcestershire

  • Soy sauce

  • Tomato paste

  • Beef broth

Pour the entire mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables.

3. Slow Cook

  • LOW: 6–7 hours

  • HIGH: 3½–4 hours

Cook until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are soft.

4. Thicken the Gravy

In the final 15 minutes:

  1. Mix the cornstarch + water to make a slurry.

  2. Stir it into the crockpot.

  3. Let it simmer until the gravy becomes thick, glossy, and rich.

5. Serve

Spoon everything into bowls while hot and top with fresh parsley.
Enjoy with bread, rice, or mashed potatoes!

💡 20 Best Tips for Perfect Beef Bites

  1. Brown the beef first for extra flavor — optional but delicious.

  2. Halve the potatoes if they’re larger than bite-sized.

  3. Use sirloin for the most tender texture.

  4. Don’t skip the tomato paste — it adds richness and color.

  5. Cut carrots thick so they don’t turn mushy.

  6. Use low-sodium broth to control salt.

  7. Add mushrooms during the last 2 hours for an upgrade.

  8. Use fresh garlic AND garlic powder for deeper flavor.

  9. Add 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

  10. Add chili flakes for a spicy version.

  11. Swap potatoes for pasta and serve the beef over noodles.

  12. Stir only at the end — lifting the lid too often slows cooking.

  13. Avoid overcooking on HIGH — beef can get stringy.

  14. Use cornstarch OR flour slurry depending on how thick you want the gravy.

  15. Make it creamy: add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.

  16. Make it smoky: add ½ tsp liquid smoke.

  17. Add peas during the last 15 minutes for color.

  18. Use Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture.

  19. Turn leftovers into a beef pot pie filling.

  20. Freeze without potatoes (potatoes get grainy when frozen).

❓ 20 FAQs About Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

1. Can I use frozen beef?

Yes, but thaw first for even cooking.

2. Can I substitute the ranch packet?

Use 1 tbsp homemade ranch or Italian seasoning.

3. Can I skip the soy sauce?

You can, but it adds umami. Replace with extra Worcestershire.

4. Do I need to brown the meat?

No, but it boosts flavor.

5. Can I use chicken instead?

Yes — thighs work best. Reduce cooking time slightly.

6. Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer covered for 1.5–2 hours.

7. Can I cook this in the oven?

Bake covered at 325°F (165°C) for 2.5–3 hours.

8. Why is my beef tough?

It needs more time — slow cookers tenderize over time.

9. Can I use russet potatoes?

Yes, but peel and cut into large chunks.

10. Can I add celery?

Absolutely — add 1–2 stalks.

11. How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and Worcestershire.

12. Can I make it dairy-free?

Swap butter for vegan butter.

13. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but without potatoes (they get mushy).

14. How long do leftovers last?

3–4 days in the fridge.

15. Can I add cream to the gravy?

Yes — stir in heavy cream at the end.

16. How do I make it spicy?

Add smoked paprika + red chili flakes.

17. Can I use bone-in beef?

Yes — oxtail or short ribs work beautifully.

18. What can I serve it with?

Rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread.

19. Can I double the recipe?

Yes — but increase cooking time by 1 hour.

20. Can I prep this as a freezer meal?

Yes! Add everything except broth and potatoes into a freezer bag.

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