Introduction

This recipe for the Best Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes is the ultimate set-and-forget comfort meal. Tender beef and hearty potatoes cook low and slow in a savory, herb-infused gravy, creating a fuss-free dinner that’s packed with flavor. For another simple, savory slow cooker classic, try this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese Recipe.

Ingredients

Tender beef cubes and hearty potatoes slow-cook to perfection in a rich, savory sauce, making these Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes the ultimate comforting meal.

• 2 pounds sirloin steak or beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved or cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 stick butter, sliced
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	6 hours (on Low)
Total Time	6 hours 15 minutes

Context: This Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is about 20% faster than similar slow-cooked beef dishes, thanks to its smaller, quicker-cooking beef pieces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Beef

Pat your beef cubes (like chuck roast or stew meat) completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2 — Sear the Meat

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, sear the beef bites for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. This step locks in flavor and improves the final texture of your Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes.

Step 3 — Layer the Potatoes

Place peeled and cubed russet or Yukon Gold potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a bed that will soak up all the delicious juices. For extra flavor, toss the potatoes with a pinch of the same seasoning used on the beef.

Step 4 — Add Aromatics & Liquid

Scatter a diced onion and minced garlic over the potatoes. Place the seared beef bites on top. Pour in your cooking liquid—beef broth is ideal, but a mixture of broth and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste adds great depth.

Tip: The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the meat, not submerge it completely.

Step 5 — Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds. The potatoes should be soft all the way through when pierced with a fork.

Step 6 — Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

For a richer, gravy-like sauce, create a slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the hot liquid in the crockpot, cover, and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Step 7 — Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your hearty Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~32 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~18 g
Fiber	~3 g
Sodium	~650 mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual results may vary depending on specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs or preferences.

• Protein Swap (Chicken or Turkey) — Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or lean turkey breast for a lighter dish. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check for doneness after 5-6 hours on low.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace the potatoes with chunks of radishes, turnips, or cauliflower. They soften nicely and absorb the savory flavors while significantly reducing the carb count.
• Dairy-Free Version — Omit the butter and use a high-quality olive oil or avocado oil. For a creamy finish, stir in a splash of unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free sour cream alternative at the end.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always double-check your broth and Worcestershire sauce labels to ensure they contain no hidden gluten.
• Low-Sodium Variation — Use low-sodium beef broth and substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos. You can also reduce or omit any added salt, relying on herbs like rosemary and thyme for deep flavor.
• Vegetable Boost — Add hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms during the last 2-3 hours of cooking. They add nutrients, color, and texture without compromising the classic Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes feel.
• Leaner Cut of Beef — For less fat, choose a lean cut like sirloin tips or round steak. Be mindful not to overcook, as these cuts can become tough if cooked too long.
• Herb-Infused Oil — Instead of plain butter or oil, use an herb-infused olive oil to sauté the aromatics. This adds a restaurant-quality layer of flavor with minimal extra effort.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate your dinner. Here are ideas for pairings, occasions, and plating.

• With a Fresh Green: Balance the richness with a simple side salad dressed in a bright vinaigrette or some steamed green beans.
• For a Comfort Food Feast: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or flaky biscuits to soak up every bit of the savory gravy.
• Perfect for Potlucks: This dish is a crowd-pleaser and travels well. Keep it warm in the slow cooker for easy serving.
• Cozy Weeknight Dinner: Plate it simply in a shallow bowl for a comforting, no-fuss meal after a long day.
• Elevated Presentation: For guests, garnish the finished Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme.
• Make it a Sunday Supper: Pair with roasted carrots or glazed pearl onions for a special, traditional weekend meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using the wrong cut of beef, like lean stew meat, which becomes tough. Fix: Opt for well-marbled, chuck roast or round roast for tender, shreddable Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes.
• Mistake: Skipping the sear on the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Fix: A quick, high-heat sear creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices for a richer final dish.
• Mistake: Cutting potatoes too small, causing them to disintegrate during the long cook. Fix: Cut potatoes into large, 1.5 to 2-inch chunks so they hold their shape alongside the beef.
• Mistake: Adding dairy (like sour cream or cream of mushroom soup) at the beginning. Fix: Stir in any creamy elements during the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling and separation.
• Mistake: Overfilling the slow cooker, which leads to uneven cooking and safety issues. Fix: Keep ingredients at or below the max fill line, typically 2/3 to 3/4 full, for best results.
• Mistake: Using too much liquid, resulting in a watery gravy or sauce. Fix: Start with less broth or wine than you think; you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
• Mistake: Lifting the lid frequently to check, which releases heat and steam. Fix: Trust the process! Each peek can add 15-20 minutes to your total cooking time for Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes.
• Mistake: Underseasoning early, as flavors dilute over hours. Fix: Season aggressively at the start with salt, pepper, and aromatics, then taste and adjust before serving.
• Mistake: Cooking on high heat for the entire time to rush it. Fix: For the most tender beef, use the low setting for 7-8 hours; high heat can make meat stringy.
• Mistake: Not thickening the cooking liquid at the end for a proper gravy. Fix: Make a quick slurry with cornstarch and cold water, stir it in, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until glossy.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

For best texture, avoid freezing the potatoes if possible, as they can become grainy. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is the ultimate set-and-forget comfort meal. For more easy slow cooker dinners, try our 4-Ingredient Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe or Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes

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Tender beef bites and potatoes slow-cooked in a crockpot with garlic, butter, and seasonings for a hearty, easy family meal.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds sirloin steak or beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved or cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 stick butter, sliced
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Season the steak cubes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the steak for 5-7 minutes, then transfer to the crockpot.
2. In the same skillet, cook diced onion until softened (3-4 minutes), add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Transfer to the crockpot.
3. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the crockpot, add dried thyme and stir. Arrange halved baby potatoes around the steak.
4. Top with sliced butter. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until steak is tender and potatoes are cooked through. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For best tenderness, cook on low heat. Sear the meat beforehand for extra flavor if time allows. Add green beans in the last hour if desired. Stir occasionally during cooking.

Nutrition

• Calories: 422
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

FAQs

Can I prepare Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in your slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate it overnight, then simply place the insert into the base and cook as directed. This Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes recipe is perfect for easy meal prep.

What cut of beef is best for this recipe?

Stew meat or chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes works best. These cuts become wonderfully tender during the long, slow cooking process, making them ideal for your Crockpot Beef Bites & Potatoes.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

You can cook on high for about 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours. Check for tenderness, as the beef should easily shred with a fork. The potatoes should also be completely soft when pierced.