Prepare the Crockpot
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the ingredients from sticking to the sides and makes cleanup much easier once you're done cooking.
Add the Potatoes
Place the baby potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. Positioning them at the base ensures they receive consistent heat throughout the cooking process and allows them to absorb the delicious flavors that will drip down from the beef.
Add the Beef
Arrange the beef stew meat pieces on top of the potatoes in an even layer. By placing the meat above the potatoes, you allow the beef juices to naturally baste the potatoes during cooking.
Make the Garlic Butter
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, ranch seasoning (or garlic & herb seasoning), paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes if using. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth, aromatic mixture.
Pour It All Over
Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes, ensuring all pieces get coated. Take a moment to gently toss the ingredients if needed to maximize coverage of the flavorful seasoning.
Add Broth
Carefully pour the beef broth around the edges of the crockpot rather than directly over the meat and potatoes. This technique helps preserve the seasoning on the ingredients while still providing enough liquid to create a sumptuous sauce during cooking.
Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and set to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef is ready when it's fork-tender and the potatoes are completely soft. Low and slow cooking allows the meat fibers to break down properly for maximum tenderness.
Finish & Serve
Once cooking is complete, gently stir everything together to coat all pieces in the rich garlic butter sauce that has developed. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving hot in bowls, perhaps with some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.