Here’s a simple guide for slow-cooked beef — tender, flavorful, and perfect for a hands-off meal
Slow Cooker Beef (Basic Version)
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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1.2–1.5 kg (2.5–3 lbs) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
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2 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning, optional)
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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3–4 carrots, chopped
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3–4 potatoes, diced
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2 cups beef broth
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2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
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1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper to taste
🔹 Instructions
1️⃣ Optional Browning
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Heat oil in a skillet.
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Brown beef cubes on all sides — adds extra flavor.
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Transfer to slow cooker.
2️⃣ Add Ingredients
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Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, broth, tomato paste, herbs, salt, and pepper.
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Stir gently to combine.
3️⃣ Cook
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Low setting: 7–8 hours
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High setting: 4–5 hours
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Cook until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
4️⃣ Serve
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Remove bay leaf.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with bread.
Tips
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Use beef chuck for best tenderness.
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For thicker gravy, stir in 1–2 tbsp cornstarch with a little water in the last 30 minutes.
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Add peas or green beans in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day.