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Try this mouth-watering garlic beef bites and potatoes in your slow cooker, a comforting dish that's perfect for easy, filling meals. The simple ingredients and slow cooking method really bring out all the flavors, making it great for family dinners or cozy nights in.
What makes this dish so special?
This meal combines melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked beef with soft potatoes, all coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Using your slow cooker means you'll get a tasty dinner with minimal work, just what you need on busy days.
What you'll need
- Beef: 1.5 pounds of stew meat cut into bite-sized chunks for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Potatoes: 1 pound of baby potatoes halved for even cooking.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of melted butter for a creamy, rich sauce.
- Garlic: 3 minced garlic cloves to add a burst of flavor.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary.
- Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste), 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to enhance flavors.
- Liquids: 1/4 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
- Cook the beef
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer them to your slow cooker.
- Add the potatoes
- Put the halved potatoes in the slow cooker, arranging them around the beef pieces.
- Mix the sauce
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, paprika, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and potatoes.
- Pour in the broth
- Add the beef broth to the slow cooker to keep everything moist during cooking.
- Let it cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef falls apart and the potatoes are tender.
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Tasty tips and changes
- Extra flavor boost: Add a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes for an even creamier sauce.
- Mix it up: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots if you want a sweeter touch.
- Serve with: Pair with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What beef cuts work best?
Opt for braising cuts like chuck roast, shin, or brisket. These cuts become tender with slow cooking, ideal for this dish.
- → Can you cook it without a slow cooker?
Sure, you can bake it in a covered pot at 160°C for about 2.5 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on the liquid and add stock if it gets low.
- → How do I know the beef is ready?
The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and shreds easily. That’s the mark of perfectly slow-cooked meat.
- → Will the potatoes overcook in this dish?
Baby potatoes handle slow cooking well. They turn creamy and soft while keeping their shape due to their small size.
- → Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day! Cook it ahead of time and reheat gently. The flavors deepen overnight.