Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

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Introduction

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes

Are you craving a hearty and savory dish that is packed with flavors but requires minimal effort? Look no further than the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes recipe. This meal offers the perfect combination of tender beef simmered in flavorful garlic butter sauce and soft, satisfying potatoes. It’s an excellent choice for any day of the week, especially when you want something delicious with minimal active cooking time.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

What You’ll Need:

– Beef chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces, about 2 pounds
– Red potatoes quartered, about 1 1/2 pounds
– Minced garlic, 4 cloves
– Melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup
– Beef broth, 1/3 cup
– Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon
– Dried parsley, 1 teaspoon
– Smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon
– Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
– Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon

Prep Time

Easy and Quick Preparation

This recipe is perfect if you want to save time prepping while making a delicious homestyle meal. Cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces is your main prep task here. Washing and quartering the red potatoes will take little effort, making this an approachable meal even on busy days. The combined prep time for getting your ingredients ready is approximately 10-15 minutes.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Perfect Results, Every Time

The cook time for this dish is about 4-6 hours on low in a slow cooker, though you can also choose to cook it on high for 2-3 hours if you’re in a rush. With a total time of 4-6 hours (including the prep time), the dish is ideally suited for a late lunch or dinner. It typically yields about four hearty servings, making it a fantastic family meal or an excellent option for leftovers the next day.

By combining just a handful of ingredients and letting your slow cooker work its magic, you can enjoy a delightful dish that’s flavorful, filling, and worth repeating again and again. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply indulging in comfort food, this recipe fits the bill every single time!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Cut the beef chuck roast or stew meat into bite-sized pieces. Remove any excess fat, if necessary.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Season the beef pieces evenly with salt and pepper for flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the beef pieces in a single layer and sear them until browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; work in batches if needed. Remove the seared pieces and set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and scrub the baby potatoes thoroughly. You can leave them whole if they are small, or cut them in half if they are larger.

Step 5: Mix in the Slow Cooker

In the slow cooker, combine the seared beef, baby potatoes, minced garlic, ½ cup of melted butter, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Toss everything to ensure the beef and potatoes are well-coated with the butter and herbs.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Once cooking is complete, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the garlic butter beef bites and potatoes warm, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Note 1: Choosing the Potatoes

Baby potatoes or small Yukon gold potatoes work best for this recipe. Their buttery texture complements the dish well.

Note 2: Searing the Beef

Searing the beef before slow cooking is important to enhance the flavor. This step adds a caramelized layer to the meat, so do not skip it.

Note 3: Herb Substitutions

If fresh thyme and rosemary aren’t available, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.

Note 4: Adjusting Cooking Time

Cooking times might vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the beef for tenderness towards the end of the recommended cooking time.

Note 5: Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop as needed.

Cook Techniques

Preparing the Beef Bites

Cut your beef into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Trim any excess fat to avoid overly greasy results. Season the beef thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before placing it in the slow cooker. This step helps to enhance the flavor from the start.

Creating a Garlic Butter Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the specified amount of butter and combine it with minced garlic. This mixture will form the base of the savory sauce. Cook the garlic with butter until fragrant but avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness.

Layering Ingredients Properly

Start by placing potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly. Follow this with your seasoned beef bites. This layering method allows the juices to season the potatoes and create a flavorful meal.

Utilizing the Slow Cooker Settings

For tender beef and evenly cooked potatoes, set your slow cooker to low and cook for the recommended number of hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent heat loss.

Adding Finishing Touches

Once the cooking is complete, stir the beef and potatoes to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and presentation.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with pork or chicken, but the cooking times may need adjustment depending on the meat’s tenderness.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No, peeling the potatoes is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but if preferred, you can peel them.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can recreate the dish using an oven-safe baking dish by cooking it at a low temperature in the oven. However, the cooking time and texture may vary.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat as needed.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or baby potatoes are recommended for this recipe as they hold their shape well during slow cooking. However, you can also use russet potatoes if pre-cut into smaller pieces.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week. Its simplicity and rich taste make it an excellent choice for busy families or anyone looking for a satisfying meal without a lot of effort. The combination of tender beef bites, buttery potatoes, and savory garlic makes it a delightful dish that you’ll want to make again and again.

More recipes suggestions and combination

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Explore another slow-cooker delight with sweet and savory honey garlic chicken that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or roasted veggies.

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Complement your main dish with creamy and cheesy mashed potatoes, enhanced with garlic for a perfect side.

Beef Stroganoff

Enjoy a classic creamy stroganoff served over egg noodles for a well-rounded, hearty meal.

Herb-Crusted Roasted Vegetables

Add a medley of roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs for a colorful and healthy side dish.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Switch it up with tender BBQ pulled pork made in your slow cooker, served on buns for a delicious alternative.

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

For seafood lovers, pair garlic butter shrimp with rice or quinoa for a quick and easy meal.

Thyme-Roasted Baby Carrots

Balance the richness of your dish with thyme-roasted baby carrots as a naturally sweet side dish option.

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