Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
There’s nothing like the smell of butter and garlic drifting through a chilly kitchen while leaves fall outside — that’s the little story behind this recipe. This warm, comforting Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes has become a reader favorite because it’s simple, cozy, and perfect for fall gatherings or a weeknight treat. If you enjoy bold, buttery flavors you might also like our garlic butter chicken bites for another family-friendly twist.
Why this recipe works
This recipe balances tender seared beef, crisp roasted baby potatoes, and a glossy garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. It’s great for home bakers transitioning into savory seasonal cooking — easy to prep, forgiving for beginners, and endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or top round, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved (use Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for finishing
Step-by-step instructions
Prep and preheat
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to heat — this helps crisp the potatoes.
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Roast the potatoes
- Toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and half the thyme.
- Spread potatoes on the preheated baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway.
Sear the beef
- While potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your liking. Remove beef and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil and 4 tablespoons butter to the skillet.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Add Worcestershire sauce and remaining thyme; stir to combine.
Combine and finish
- Return beef to the skillet, toss to coat in garlic butter, and heat through 1–2 minutes.
- Add roasted potatoes, gently folding them into the beef and sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan, and serve hot.
Tips for success
- Dry the beef: Patting the beef dry ensures a better sear and deeper flavor.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Sear in batches so each cube gets a brown crust.
- Watch the garlic: Garlic burns quickly — sauté just until fragrant.
- Cut potatoes evenly: Equal-sized pieces cook uniformly.
- Use a heavy skillet: A cast-iron or stainless-steel pan gives the best sear.
- If you’d like a one-pan dinner, roast the potatoes and then finish the beef in the same sheet pan under the broiler for 2–3 minutes after searing in a hot skillet.
Possible variations
- Gluten-free: This Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Swap any seasonings accordingly.
- Streusel topping (fall-inspired): For a sweet-savory fall spin, toss halved sweet potatoes with a small streusel made from gluten-free oats, brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and butter. Roast until tender and serve with the beef bites for a comforting contrast.
- Herb and lemon twist: Brighten the dish by finishing with a squeeze of lemon and extra parsley, similar to our lemon garlic butter chicken bites flavor profile.
- Add sausage: Stir in sliced smoked sausage during the last 5 minutes for a hearty, smoky variation inspired by our garlic butter smoked sausage bites.
Storage recommendations
- Refrigerator: Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place cooked beef and potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to preserve texture.
- Make-ahead: You can roast the potatoes a day ahead and keep the beef uncooked. Sear and finish with fresh garlic butter when ready to serve.
Serving suggestions
Serve Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes on a big platter for sharing, alongside roasted root vegetables, a crisp green salad, or a simple crusty loaf to soak up the sauce. A warm apple or pear compote also pairs nicely for a seasonal touch.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to cook Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes?
A: Total time is about 40–45 minutes: 20–25 minutes to roast the potatoes and 10–15 minutes to sear and finish the beef and sauce.
Q: Can I use another cut of beef?
A: Yes. Sirloin, top round, or ribeye work well. Choose a cut that slices into even, bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No — it’s buttery and savory. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like a little heat.
Q: Can I make this in one pan?
A: You can roast potatoes and finish the beef in the same sheet pan under the broiler after searing, but searing the beef in a heavy skillet gives the best crust and sauce development.
Enjoy making this cozy Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes — it’s a simple, seasonal favorite that’s sure to become part of your fall dinner rotation.
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Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
This warm and comforting dish features tender seared beef and crisp roasted baby potatoes, all coated in a glossy garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or top round, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved (use Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to heat.
- Pat the beef cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and half the thyme. Spread potatoes on the preheated baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway.
- While the potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear beef cubes in batches, about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove beef and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon olive oil and 4 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds. Add Worcestershire sauce and remaining thyme; stir to combine.
- Return beef to the skillet, toss to coat in garlic butter, and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Add roasted potatoes and gently fold them into the beef and sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan, serve hot.
Notes
For a one-pan dinner, roast potatoes first and finish beef in the same sheet pan under the broiler for 2–3 minutes after searing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
