Sweet-Sour Beef Vegetables For Slow Cooker
A hearty slow cooker dish featuring tender beef and colorful vegetables in a tangy sweet-sour sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. round or chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. light molasses ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 2 c. small onions ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the meat in hot oil in a skillet.
- Place the browned meat in the slow cooker.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for about 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture. You can substitute the molasses with honey for a different sweetness profile, or use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a milder tang. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish is versatile and works well with various beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet-Sour Beef with steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of crusty bread is also great for dipping. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, enhancing the meal's overall balance. For a hearty twist, consider turning it into Beefy Bunwiches for a fun serving option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Beef Vegetables For Slow Cooker contains roughly 672 calories, with 8g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (135% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1813mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or flank steak, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Tougher cuts benefit from longer cooking in the slow cooker, while leaner cuts may require less time to avoid drying out.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. Adjust cooking times to ensure everything is tender. This creates a delicious vegetarian alternative that maintains the sweet-sour flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can brown the meat and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, combine them in the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe. This makes mealtime even easier!
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).