Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple and requires very little active cooking time. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming inexpensive cuts of beef into succulent, flavorful meals. It’s highly versatile—you can serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or tucked into sandwiches. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping since it stores and reheats beautifully.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Beef chuck roast or stewing beef, cut into chunks
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Beef broth
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Onion, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Worcestershire sauce
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Tomato paste or diced tomatoes (optional)
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Carrots, sliced (optional)
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Potatoes, chopped (optional)
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Olive oil
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Salt
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Pepper
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Thyme or rosemary (optional for extra flavor)
directions
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Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper.
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In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil and sear the beef pieces on all sides until browned. This step is optional but adds great flavor.
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Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
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Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and any optional vegetables you are using.
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In a small bowl, mix the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste or diced tomatoes if using. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables.
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Sprinkle thyme or rosemary over the top if desired.
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Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
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Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 people and takes about 8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high in the slow cooker.
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Asian-Inspired: Replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce and add a touch of sesame oil.
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Italian Style: Add oregano, basil, and canned crushed tomatoes for an Italian flavor profile.
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Vegetable-Loaded: Include more root vegetables like parsnips and turnips.
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Creamy Beef: Stir in a bit of cream or sour cream at the end for a rich, creamy version.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Do I have to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
While not required, browning adds depth of flavor and improves the overall taste of the dish.
What is the best cut of beef for slow cooking?
Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful after long, slow cooking.
Can I cook it on high instead of low?
Yes, cooking on high for 4–5 hours will work, though low and slow typically results in more tender beef.
Should I add the vegetables at the beginning or later?
Add hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the beginning; delicate vegetables should be added later.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely, it’s great for meal prepping. The flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge.
What if my beef is too tough?
It likely needs more cooking time. Continue cooking until it becomes fork-tender.
Can I use frozen beef?
It’s best to thaw the beef before slow cooking to ensure even and safe cooking.
How much liquid should I add?
You typically need enough liquid to cover about halfway up the beef for proper braising.
What sides go best with slow cooker beef?
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, buttered noodles, or crusty bread are excellent sides.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich, hearty flavors with hardly any effort. Perfect for a busy day, meal prep, or simply when you want a nourishing, delicious meal with minimal work, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Customize it to your taste and enjoy the incredible aromas and flavors that slow cooking brings to life.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty, comforting dish where beef becomes incredibly tender after slow simmering with flavorful seasonings, perfect for busy days or cozy meals.
Ingredients
2–3 pounds beef chuck roast or stewing beef, cut into chunks
2 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
2 carrots, sliced (optional)
2 potatoes, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the beef pieces until browned on all sides (optional for extra flavor).
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and optional vegetables.
- In a small bowl, mix the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste or diced tomatoes if using. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
- Sprinkle thyme or rosemary over the top if desired.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Browning the beef enhances flavor but is optional.
- Add a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
- Stir in cream or sour cream at the end for a creamy version.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water to thicken the sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
