Save Pin
This slow cooker beef dish fills your kitchen with amazing smells and will have everyone asking for more. It’s just right for evenings when you want something cozy that doesn’t take much effort but tastes fantastic and melts in your mouth.
I whipped this up one cold weekend when I needed a filling meal. The beef was so soft it almost fell apart, and the sauce had the right mix of sweet and savory that made it a hit in our home.
Essentials
- Two pounds beef (sirloin, chuck roast, or stew meat): pick a cut with good marbling so it stays juicy and soft
- Black pepper and salt: simple seasonings that bring out the beef’s flavor
- Olive oil: optional for browning and adding richness
- Beef broth: low salt lets you control the taste better
- Soy sauce: adds salty, savory notes
- Worcestershire sauce: gives a tangy twist
- Brown sugar: sweetens the mix a bit
- Tomato paste: thickens the sauce and boosts flavor
- Garlic: minced to give a sharp kick
- Smoked paprika: brings a gentle smoky warmth, Spanish paprika works great here
- Onion powder: finishes the flavor off nicely
- Red pepper flakes (optional): a little heat, add just a pinch if you like spice
- Vegetables (optional): baby potatoes, baby carrots, mushrooms, onion add sweetness and texture
- Cornstarch mixed with cold water: helps thicken the sauce at the end
How To Make It
- First, Brown the Meat:
- Dry the beef pieces well using paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a big pan over medium-high heat. In batches (don’t crowd the pan), sear the beef on all sides until you get a nice crust. This makes the flavor richer. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this but I highly recommend doing it when you can.
- Mix the Sauce:
- Combine the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, tomato paste, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk it all until smooth and even. This will soak into the beef as it cooks and add layers of taste.
- Load the Slow Cooker:
- Put the seared or raw meat into your slow cooker. Spread any veggies you’re using like baby potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and onion around and on top. Pour the sauce over everything so it’s all covered.
- Cook it Low and Slow:
- Cover and let it go on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork tender and practically falling apart. The slow heat makes the flavors meld and softens the meat beautifully.
- Make the Sauce Thicker:
- About 20 minutes before eating, stir cornstarch with cold water until lump-free. Pour this into the slow cooker, cover, and turn it to high. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes to get a silky, thick sauce that clings to the beef.
- Dish it Up:
- Scoop the tender beef and glossy sauce on top of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. If you have fresh parsley, sprinkle some on for a bright touch.
Save Pin
One thing I especially like here is the smoked paprika. It adds a gentle smoky flavor that takes the sauce up a notch. Making this on a cool day always reminds me of warm family dinners with good stories and full plates.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to four days. When heating it up again, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce since it thickens in the cold. This dish also freezes great—just put it in freezer-friendly containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before warming gently on the stove.
Swap Ideas
No Worcestershire on hand? A little balsamic vinegar or more soy sauce can work. For broth, mix beef bouillon with water instead. Feel free to switch out the baby veggies for things like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes depending on what you’ve got.
What to Serve With It
This beef is great with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. Want something lighter? Try steamed rice with sautéed greens like kale or spinach. A crunchy green salad is a nice contrast to the rich sauce.
Save Pin
Common Questions
- → Which beef cut is best for this meal?
Chuck roast, stew meat, or sirloin work great since they soften during slow cooking and soak up the sauce nicely.
- → Do I have to brown the beef first?
Browning helps add flavor and color but you can leave it out if you’re short on time.
- → Can I throw in veggies while it cooks?
Definitely, baby potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and carrots are great additions and will get tender in the pot.
- → How do I make the sauce thicker at the end?
Mix some cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the hot sauce and cook until it’s thickened.
- → What are good sides for this beef dish?
Mash some potatoes, cook rice, or boil egg noodles to soak up all the tasty sauce.