Life with three active kids is a beautiful whirlwind. Some evenings, after school pickups, homework battles, and cheering on various sports teams, I just crave a dinner that feels like a warm hug without demanding hours of my precious time. You know the feeling, right?

That desire for something incredibly flavorful, truly nourishing, but deceptively simple to prepare. Well, I discovered a magic trick in my kitchen, a recipe that consistently delivers on all fronts: my incredibly delicious slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes.

I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday. The kids were ravenous, I was exhausted, and the thought of standing over a stove filled me with dread. That’s when I pulled out my trusty slow cooker.

I tossed in some humble ingredients, set it, and walked away. A few hours later, the house filled with the most intoxicating aroma of garlic and savory beef. The result?

Tender steak bites, perfectly cooked potatoes, all swimming in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It was a revelation. My pickiest eater even asked for seconds!

This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary sigh of relief, a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It’s truly food as love, made easy.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Potatoes Recipe

As a busy mom, I understand the constant juggle. You want to feed your family well, but you don’t always have the luxury of time. This slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes recipe is your new weeknight hero.

First and foremost, it’s unbelievably easy. You literally dump the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. No fuss, no constant stirring, just hands-off cooking that frees you up for other important tasks, like helping with algebra or folding that mountain of laundry.

Furthermore, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker works its magic, tenderizing the steak to perfection and infusing every potato bite with savory garlic butter goodness. The rich, aromatic sauce clings to everything, making each mouthful a burst of deliciousness. You achieve that deep, slow-cooked flavor without any of the traditional lengthy cooking steps.

Then there’s the versatility. This recipe is a complete meal in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash – a huge win in my book! It’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to various dietary needs.

Your family will love the hearty, comforting nature of the meal. The tender steak and soft potatoes make it incredibly kid-friendly, even for the pickiest eaters. Plus, seeing their happy faces as they devour a nourishing, home-cooked meal truly warms my heart. This recipe truly embodies my belief that food is love, made simple and satisfying for everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for these incredible slow cooker garlic butter steak bites with potatoes is straightforward. Most items are common pantry staples, ensuring you can whip up this comforting meal whenever the craving strikes.

You can also keep some cornstarch slurry on hand if you prefer a thicker sauce at the end. I love using fresh garlic; it makes all the difference! Ensure your potatoes are roughly the same size for even cooking. This simple list forms the foundation of a truly delicious and nourishing meal that your entire family will adore.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the beautiful things about cooking at home is the freedom to customize. This slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand. Don’t feel tied to the exact ingredients; embrace the creativity!

Beef Cuts: While boneless sirloin or chuck roast work wonderfully for tender steak bites, you have options. Try using stew beef pre-cut for even more convenience. Round steak or even a leaner cut like top sirloin can also work, though they might be slightly less tender. If you use a very lean cut, consider browning it quickly before adding it to the slow cooker to lock in flavor and moisture.

Potatoes: Small red potatoes hold their shape beautifully. However, Yukon gold or even fingerling potatoes are fantastic alternatives. If you only have larger Russet potatoes, just peel and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Ensure all your potato pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding more vegetables! Roughly chopped carrots, celery, or quartered mushrooms are excellent additions. Add them at the beginning with the potatoes.

For softer vegetables like green beans or peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. You can also toss in some chopped bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.

Herbs & Spices: Italian seasoning offers a classic flavor profile. However, feel free to experiment. Try adding a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary for a more robust, earthy flavor.

A dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick if you enjoy a little heat. Fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs or thyme sprigs can also be added directly to the slow cooker at the beginning for deeper infusion.

Dairy-Free Option: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the unsalted butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil. The garlic butter flavor will still shine through beautifully.

Thickening the Sauce: Some people prefer a slightly thicker sauce. If you do, once the steak and potatoes are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.

Stir this slurry into the hot liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Remember, the goal is a delicious, simple meal that suits your family’s taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these incredible slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes is incredibly simple, requiring minimal hands-on time. Just follow these easy steps, and your family will soon enjoy a hearty and delicious meal.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: First, cut your boneless beef sirloin or chuck roast into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking. Next, wash your small red potatoes thoroughly. Halve or quarter them, aiming for pieces roughly the same size as your steak bites. Mince your garlic cloves finely.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, beef broth, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the melted butter. Whisk everything together until well combined. This creates your flavorful garlic butter sauce.
3. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the cut potatoes evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This layer helps protect the beef from scorching and allows the potatoes to soak up the delicious liquid.
4. Add the Beef: Next, arrange the cut beef pieces over the potatoes in the slow cooker. Try to distribute them evenly.
5. Pour the Sauce: Carefully pour the garlic butter sauce mixture over the beef and potatoes. Ensure everything gets coated generously. You want that flavor to penetrate every bite!
6. Cook Low and Slow: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker’s temperature and the size of your beef and potato pieces. The beef should be incredibly tender, and the potatoes easily pierced with a fork.
7. Check for Doneness: Around the 6-hour mark (for low) or 3-hour mark (for high), check the tenderness of both the steak and potatoes. If they need more time, continue cooking.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once everything is perfectly cooked, stir the contents of the slow cooker gently. The sauce will have thickened slightly and the flavors will be beautifully melded. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

That’s it! You’ve just created a mouthwatering, nourishing meal with minimal effort. Your family will adore these tender slow cooker garlic butter steak bites with potatoes.

Pro Tips for Success

Even though this slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes recipe is wonderfully simple, a few insider tips can elevate it from great to absolutely phenomenal. These little tricks ensure your meal turns out perfectly tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying every single time.

Uniform Cuts are Key: Always cut your beef and potatoes into roughly 1-inch, uniform pieces. This is crucial for even cooking. If some pieces are larger than others, they will cook at different rates, leading to some tough steak or mushy potatoes. Consistency is your friend here.

Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Resist the temptation to stuff your slow cooker to the brim. Overcrowding prevents even heat distribution and can lead to uneven cooking. Ideally, the ingredients should fill about two-thirds of the slow cooker for optimal results. If you have a lot of ingredients, consider using a larger slow cooker or splitting the recipe into two batches.

A Quick Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended): For an even deeper flavor profile, consider searing your beef bites quickly in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step creates a beautiful browned crust, locking in juices and adding a layer of rich, savory taste.

It only takes a few minutes but truly makes a difference in the final dish. You can skip this step if you’re short on time, and the meal will still be delicious.

Layering Matters: Placing the potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker, beneath the beef, is a deliberate choice. The potatoes absorb the delicious juices and butter as they cook, becoming incredibly flavorful. Also, the potatoes act as a buffer, preventing the beef from sitting directly on the heating element and potentially overcooking.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, always taste your dish. Slow cookers can sometimes mellow flavors. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash of fresh garlic powder or herbs. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten up the entire dish, cutting through the richness beautifully.

Fresh Herbs for a Finish: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the dish significantly. Stir it in right before serving to maintain its brightness and texture.

By following these simple pro tips, you’re not just cooking; you’re crafting a masterpiece that your family will rave about. Enjoy the ease and incredible flavor!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers of these delicious slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes are a real treat, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld further. Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy this comforting meal again with maximum flavor and safety.

Cool Promptly: Always cool your leftovers quickly. Do not leave the slow cooker on a warm setting or at room temperature for more than two hours after cooking. This prevents bacterial growth.

Storage in the Refrigerator: Transfer any remaining slow cooker garlic butter steak bites and potatoes into airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Glass containers work wonderfully as they don’t stain or retain odors, and they’re perfect for microwave reheating.

Freezing for Longer Storage: If you have a larger batch or want to save some for a future busy night, this dish freezes beautifully. Spoon the cooled steak bites and potatoes, along with plenty of the delicious sauce, into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing Frozen Leftovers: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen leftovers, transfer the container or bag to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Reheating on the Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes on the stovetop. Transfer the desired portion to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick or dry.

Stir occasionally, gently, until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the steak and potatoes without overcooking.

Reheating in the Microwave: For convenience, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the steak and potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely and heat on medium power, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the steak tough.

With these simple tips, you can extend the life of your delicious slow cooker meal, making busy weeknights even easier!

What to Serve With This Recipe

While these slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, sometimes you want to round out the plate. A few simple additions can elevate the experience, adding freshness, texture, and extra nutrients. Here are some of my family’s favorite companions to this hearty dish.

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, vibrant green salad is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors of the steak and potatoes. Think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, some cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and maybe a few croutons. Its freshness and acidity cut through the richness beautifully.

Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Boost your vegetable intake with some simple steamed or roasted greens. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans tossed with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper make excellent, quick sides. They add a lovely crunch and a pop of color to your plate.

Crusty Bread or Rolls: You absolutely need something to sop up that incredible garlic butter sauce! A warm, crusty baguette or some dinner rolls are perfect for this. My kids love tearing off pieces of bread and dipping them into the leftover sauce; it’s always a huge hit.

Creamed Spinach: If you’re looking for a slightly more indulgent side, creamed spinach offers a wonderful texture and complements the Beef beautifully. The creamy, garlicky spinach pairs harmoniously with the tender steak bites.

Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw, whether creamy or vinegar-based, provides a refreshing crunch that works surprisingly well with the savory flavors of the slow cooker garlic butter steak bites and potatoes. It adds a different kind of freshness compared to a green salad.

Ultimately, this meal is so robust, you don’t need much. Choose one or two simple sides that you enjoy, and you’ll have a wonderfully balanced and delicious dinner ready for your family.

FAQs

I often get questions about specific aspects of my recipes, especially when it comes to slow cooker meals. Here are some of the most common inquiries about these incredibly popular slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes, along with my best advice to ensure your success.

What cut of beef works best for slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes?

For the most tender and flavorful results, I highly recommend using boneless beef sirloin or a good quality chuck roast. Both cuts become incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft when cooked low and slow in the slow cooker. Sirloin delivers a slightly leaner bite, while chuck roast offers a richer, more robust flavor due to its marbling. Cut them into 1-inch pieces for optimal texture.

Can I make this slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! This recipe adapts very well to a dairy-free diet. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative.

There are many excellent plant-based butter brands available today that will provide the same rich, buttery flavor without the dairy. You won’t compromise on taste or texture, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.

Do I need to sear the steak first for these slow cooker garlic butter steak bites and potatoes?

While searing the steak before adding it to the slow cooker is entirely optional, I do recommend it if you have the extra few minutes. Searing creates a beautiful browned crust on the meat, which locks in more flavor and adds an extra layer of savory depth to the final dish. If you’re truly short on time, however, feel free to skip this step; the slow cooker will still produce wonderfully tender and flavorful steak bites.

How long can I store leftovers of this slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes meal?

You can safely store any leftover slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This meal actually tastes fantastic the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Can I add other vegetables to these slow cooker garlic butter steak bites and potatoes?

Yes, certainly! This recipe is incredibly versatile. I often add extra vegetables to boost the nutrition and flavor.

Carrots, celery, or quartered mushrooms are great additions; simply add them along with the potatoes at the beginning of the cooking process. For softer vegetables like green beans or peas, stir them in during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to ensure they cook through without becoming mushy. Feel free to experiment with your family’s favorite veggies!

slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This incredibly delicious slow cooker garlic butter steak bites potatoes recipe is a weeknight hero, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Tender steak bites and perfectly cooked potatoes swim in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, making for a comforting and satisfying meal that's naturally gluten-free and kid-friendly.

• Author: Salma Tahiri
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 mins
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 lbs Boneless Beef Sirloin or Chuck Roast
1.5 lbs Small Red Potatoes
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
6-8 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Beef Broth
1 tbsp Dried Italian Seasoning
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut your boneless beef sirloin or chuck roast into uniform 1-inch pieces. Wash small red potatoes thoroughly, then halve or quarter them to roughly the same size as the steak bites. Mince garlic cloves finely
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic, beef broth, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined to create the flavorful garlic butter sauce
3. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the cut potatoes evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker
4. Add the Beef: Arrange the cut beef pieces evenly over the potatoes in the slow cooker
5. Pour the Sauce: Carefully pour the garlic butter sauce mixture over the beef and potatoes, ensuring everything is generously coated
6. Cook Low and Slow: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork
7. Check for Doneness: Around the 6-hour mark (for low) or 3-hour mark (for high), check the tenderness of both the steak and potatoes. Continue cooking if needed
8. Garnish and Serve: Once everything is perfectly cooked, stir the contents gently. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley just before serving

Notes

If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the hot liquid after cooking, cover, and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.

For an even deeper flavor profile, consider searing the beef bites quickly in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker (optional).

Uniform cuts are crucial for even cooking of beef and potatoes.

Do not overcrowd the slow cooker for optimal results.

Place potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker to absorb juices and prevent beef from overcooking.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the dish.

Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add vibrant color and flavor as a garnish.