Slo-Cook Beef

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves: 5 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful slow-cooked beef dish with rich tomato and spice notes, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings that enjoy tender, shredded meat with bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb boneless chuck
  • 2 Tbsp salad oil
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 c catsup
  • 2 Tbsp unsulphured molasses or brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 3 to 4 drops hot pepper sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef cross grain; you may brown it in oil if desired.
  2. Place the meat in the slow cooker.
  3. In a blender or processor, combine all remaining ingredients and process until the onion is minced.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the meat in the slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
  6. Stir the contents midway through cooking, if possible.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the chuck before placing it in the slow cooker. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute unsulphured molasses with a lower glycemic sweetener. Adding some diced bell peppers or carrots can enhance the dish's nutrition while providing extra texture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Serving Suggestions

This Slo-Cook Beef pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You might also serve it alongside a refreshing W W Salad or Confetti Coleslaw Parfait for a balanced meal. For a hearty touch, consider serving with crusty bread to complement the dish and soak up the sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Slo-Cook Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Slo-Cook Beef contains roughly 1285 calories, with 12g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1799mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

1285 kcal 64% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12g 24% DV
Total Fat 105.4g 100% DV
Carbs 78.4g 29% DV
Fiber 4.9g 17% DV
Sugar 7.6g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1799.1mg 78% DV
Potassium 538.9mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 33.6mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 168.2mcg 19% DV
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 72.1mg 6% DV
Iron 4.2mg 24% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with other cuts like brisket or round, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Chuck is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which makes it tender and flavorful. If using lean cuts, monitor the cooking time to prevent dryness.

Is it possible to make this dish in a pressure cooker?

Absolutely! To adapt for a pressure cooker, brown the beef first, then add the sauce and cook on high pressure for about 35-40 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes is recommended before quick-releasing. This method will yield tender results in a fraction of the time.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To create a vegan version, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit. Use vegetable broth instead of catsup and replace Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative. Adjust cooking times as needed, ensuring the vegetables are tender and flavorful.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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