Go Back
Adam

High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – Easy Dinner Recipe!

When you want a hearty, comforting, and protein-rich meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites Recipe delivers BIG flavor with minimal effort. Packed with juicy beef stew meat, soft baby potatoes, and smothered in a luscious garlic herb butter sauce, this one-pot wonder is a dream come true for weeknight dinners. It’s a simple “set-it-and-forget-it” recipe — just a handful of everyday ingredients, a few quick steps, and your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. Plus, it’s gluten-free, kid-approved, and makes incredible leftovers. If you’re looking for a satisfying high-protein recipe that’s full of rich, slow-cooked flavor — this is it.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥩 Meats:
  • 1½ lbs beef stew meat cubed, trimmed of excess fat
🥔 Fruits and Vegetables:
  • 1 lb baby potatoes halved or quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried rosemary
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
🥫 Canned Goods:
  • ¼ cup low-sodium beef broth
🧂 Pantry Items and Spices:
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
🛢️ Oils and Vinegars:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for searing beef
🧈 Dairy:
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided, for flavor layering

Equipment

  • Make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:
  • Slow cooker (4–6 quart capacity)
  • Large skillet (for searing, optional but recommended)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or tongs
  • Garlic press or microplane (optional)
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Beef
  1. If your stew meat isn’t pre-cut, dice it into 1–2 inch chunks.
  2. Pat dry with paper towels for a better sear.
Step 2: Optional – Sear for Flavor
  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear beef in batches (don’t overcrowd) until browned on all sides — about 2–3 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer browned beef to your slow cooker.
  4. Searing locks in juices and enhances that deep, savory flavor — highly recommended!
Step 3: Add Veggies and Seasoning
  1. Add baby potatoes on top of the beef in the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle in garlic, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, salt, and paprika.
  3. Pour in ¼ cup beef broth.
Step 4: Butter It Up
  1. Dot the top with 2 tbsp butter (reserving the rest for later).
  2. Cover and cook:
  3. Low for 6–8 hours
  4. High for 3–4 hours
Step 5: Finish with Garlic Butter
  1. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter in a skillet with a pinch of extra garlic.
  2. Pour over the beef and potatoes in the slow cooker.
  3. Gently stir to coat everything in garlicky goodness.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Spoon into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
  2. Serve with a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or crusty bread.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooled beef and potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in the microwave (2–3 minutes) or on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
🥄 Variations
Keto/Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips.
Add Veggies: Include carrots, mushrooms, or celery in the slow cooker.
Spicy Garlic Butter: Add crushed red pepper or cayenne for heat.
Herb Upgrade: Use fresh rosemary and thyme if available (2 tsp each, chopped).
Cheesy Finish: Top with shredded parmesan before serving for a bold, savory twist.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I skip searing the beef?
Yes, but it adds deeper flavor and better texture. Worth the extra few minutes!
What’s the best beef cut for this recipe?
Stew meat is great, but chuck roast or sirloin tips work well too.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes — use a Dutch oven, cover tightly, and bake at 325°F for 2.5–3 hours.
How do I prevent the beef from drying out?
Don’t overcook and keep enough liquid in the pot. Stick with the timing.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but real butter gives richer flavor and a creamier finish.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
Use chicken broth, water, or dissolve bouillon cube in warm water.
Can I add more garlic?
YES — garlic lovers can safely double it for even more punch.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No — baby potatoes cook beautifully with skins on and hold shape better.
Can I cook this overnight?
You sure can. Set it on LOW before bed and wake up to savory, ready-to-go beef bites.
🏁 Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites are a no-fuss, protein-rich, and absolutely comforting dinner solution for busy nights. The beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender, the potatoes soak up all that buttery garlic flavor, and the slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
It’s a meal that tastes like hours of work — but really, it only took minutes of prep. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, feeding the family, or just craving something warm and filling, this recipe checks all the boxes.