Description
Tender, juicy beef bites slow-cooked in a rich balsamic-garlic glaze with buttery new potatoes. This comforting dish is full of savory-sweet flavors, melt-in-your-mouth textures, and the convenience of a one-pot meal. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings when you want a hearty but elegant dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Balsamic Garlic Beef Bites & New Potatoes
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2 lbs beef chuck roast or stew beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
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1 ½ lbs baby new potatoes, halved
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1 medium onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup balsamic vinegar
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¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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¼ cup beef broth
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3 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)
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1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 fresh sprig)
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the beef: Season beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Brown the beef (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes on all sides until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
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Layer the potatoes: Place halved baby potatoes and onion slices into the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Add beef on top.
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Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
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Pour over beef & potatoes. Stir gently to coat.
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Cook:
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Low for 7–8 hours OR High for 3.5–4.5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are soft.
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Finish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings
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Serves 6 people
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 32g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 18g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 7g
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Sodium: 720mg
Notes
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Use baby carrots or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
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If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the slow cooker 20 minutes before serving.
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Chuck roast is the best cut for tenderness, but sirloin or brisket can also work.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Tips
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For richer flavor, don’t skip browning the beef before slow cooking.
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Add balsamic at the end if you like a sharper tang.
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Use golden or red new potatoes—they hold shape better than russet.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days, or freeze for 2–3 months.
Health Benefits
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Beef provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins.
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Garlic offers immune-boosting properties.
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Potatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
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Balsamic vinegar contains antioxidants and supports digestion.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes, but reduce the cook time (chicken cooks faster). Try chicken thighs for juiciness.
Q: What can I serve with this?
A: A crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread pairs perfectly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It reheats very well and flavors intensify overnight.
Q: Will this work without soy sauce?
A: Yes, substitute coconut aminos or extra Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory depth.