slow-cooked beef

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 3–4 hours (oven)
Total Time: Varies by method
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Rustic

 Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast (or brisket or round roast)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

Vegetables:

• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 4 potatoes, quartered or cubed

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Braising Liquid:

• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

• ½ cup red wine (optional, or use extra broth)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

 Equipment

• Slow cooker (or Dutch oven for oven method)

• Large skillet (if searing meat first)

• Tongs, ladle, cutting board, knife

 Time & Effort

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 Instructions

 Step 1: Prep & Season the Meat

1. Pat beef dry with paper towels.

2. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper.

3. Optional: Sear the meat in a hot skillet with olive oil, 2–3 minutes per side, until browned. This step adds deep flavor.

 Step 2: Layer in Slow Cooker (or Dutch Oven)

1. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions to the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Place seared (or raw) beef on top.

3. Sprinkle in garlic, thyme, rosemary, and place bay leaf on top.

 Step 3: Mix the Braising Liquid

1. In a bowl, whisk together:

   • Beef broth

   • Red wine (optional)

   • Tomato paste

   • Worcestershire sauce

2. Pour over the beef and vegetables.

 Step 4: Cook

Slow Cooker Method:

• Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until meat is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.

Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

• Place ingredients in a covered Dutch oven.

• Bake for 3.5 to 4 hours, checking occasionally for tenderness.

 Step 5: Serve

1. Remove beef and shred or slice. Discard bay leaf.

2. Skim fat from the sauce if desired.

3. Serve beef with the cooked vegetables and ladle sauce over top.

4. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).

 Serving Suggestions

• Creamy mashed potatoes (in place of or with cooked potatoes)

• Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

• Side salad or steamed greens

 Nutrition (Approximate per serving)