Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooked Beef Recipe
When you try this slow-cooked beef recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with rich, savory sauce creates a comforting meal that warms my heart.
I love how the flavors deepen as it simmers, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s so easy—just toss the ingredients together and let the slow cooker do the work.
The aroma fills my home, inviting family and friends to gather around the table. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy evening, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it just as much as I do!
Ingredients of Slow Cooked Beef
When it comes to making slow-cooked beef, the ingredients play a vital role in crafting that mouthwatering dish you just can’t resist. You want to gather everything you need before you immerse yourself in the cooking process. Trust me, it makes life so much easier when you have all your ducks—or in this case, ingredients—in a row.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this delicious meal.
- 1 1/2-2 kg beef
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 stalks celery
- 400 g crushed tomatoes
- 250 g mushrooms, diced
- 4 small onions, diced
- 1/2 cup red wine
Now, here’s where it gets a little fun. You can totally customize this dish based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
For example, if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them. Or maybe you want to throw in some carrots or bell peppers for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Just remember, the key is to let those ingredients marinate and mingle overnight if you can. It’s like giving them a chance to throw a little party before they hit the slow cooker.
How to Make Slow Cooked Beef
Alright, let’s plunge into the joyful journey of making slow-cooked beef. First things first, you want to give your beef a little love. Grab that 1 1/2 to 2 kg chunk of goodness and toss it into a bag or bowl.
Now, add in 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and those two cloves of garlic—minced, of course. Don’t forget the two stalks of celery, chopped up nicely. This is where the magic begins, so mix it all up, seal it tight, and let it chill in the fridge overnight. Think of it as a spa day for your meat.
The next day, when you’re ready to cook, you’ll need a trusty crock pot. Start by layering in 400 g of crushed tomatoes, 4 small diced onions, and 250 g of diced mushrooms.
Pour in 1/2 cup of red wine to add that rich depth of flavor—because why not? It’s also a great excuse to have a glass while you cook. Now, gently place your marinated beef on top, covering it with all those aromatic veggies.
Don’t forget to bring that marinade to a boil in a separate pot; then, pour it over the beef in the crock pot, completely submerging it.
Now, here’s the easy part: set your crock pot to low heat and let it work its magic overnight. Seriously, it’s like having a personal chef. Just imagine waking up to the smell of tender, flavorful beef wafting through your kitchen. It’s a game changer.
When you finally pull that beef out, it should be so tender it practically falls apart. Serve it up with some mashed potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread, and you’re golden. Trust me, you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar, even if the most complicated thing you usually make is toast. Enjoy!
Slow Cooked Beef Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basic slow-cooked beef recipe, you might be wondering how to mix things up a bit.
I love experimenting with different cuts of meat like chuck roast or brisket for unique textures and flavors. You can also swap out red wine for a splash of beer or even beef broth for a different depth.
Try adding spices like smoked paprika or cumin to kick up the flavor profile. For a twist, toss in root vegetables like carrots or parsnips.
These small changes can create entirely new dishes while keeping that comforting essence of slow-cooked beef. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Slow Cooked Beef
Serving slow-cooked beef is a delight, especially when you pair it with the right sides.
I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, as they soak up all that rich sauce. A side of roasted vegetables adds a nice crunch, balancing the tenderness of the beef.
You can’t go wrong with a fresh garden salad, either—it adds brightness and freshness to the meal.
If I’m feeling indulgent, I might even whip up some crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Trust me, these pairings elevate the entire dining experience!
Additional Tips & Notes
When preparing slow-cooked beef, it’s essential to remember that marinating the meat overnight really enhances the flavor.
I also find that using a mix of spices, like thyme or rosemary, can elevate the dish even further.
Don’t skimp on the vegetables; they add depth and texture.
If you want a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
Finally, always let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps retain the juices.
Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference in the final outcome. Enjoy your delicious meal!