Name: Slow Cooked Beef Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 teaspoon vinegar; 1 teaspoon ketchup; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 pound baby potatoes, halved; 1 cup baby carrots; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water

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This slow cooked beef dinner is one of my favorite comfort food recipes when I want a hearty and satisfying meal. I combine tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich homemade sauce that slowly develops deep flavors while cooking. The result is a cozy family dinner that pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Slow Cooked Beef Dinner

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup beef broth

¼ cup soy sauce

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 teaspoon ketchup

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 pound baby potatoes, halved

1 cup baby carrots

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons cold water

Directions

I season the beef chunks with salt and black pepper.

I heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides.

In a bowl, I whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, tomato paste, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.

I add the potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and chopped onion to the slow cooker.

I place the browned beef over the vegetables and pour the prepared sauce mixture on top.

I cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.

I mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.

I stir the slurry into the slow cooker and continue cooking for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

I serve the beef dinner warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Calories: Approximately 510 kcal per serving

Variations

I like to customize this recipe depending on what I have available in my kitchen.

I swap the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.

I add celery for extra texture and depth.

I use pearl onions instead of chopped onion for a rustic presentation.

I include green beans during the last hour of cooking for additional vegetables.

I replace the mushrooms with parsnips or turnips when I want a different flavor profile.

I increase the red pepper flakes if I prefer a spicier meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often become even better after resting overnight.

For longer storage, I place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze them for up to 3 months.

When I am ready to reheat, I warm the beef dinner in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through. I can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the sauce becomes too thick, I add a splash of beef broth or water.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

I can use stew meat, brisket, or another well-marbled cut suitable for slow cooking. Cuts with more connective tissue become especially tender after long cooking times.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

I recommend browning the beef because I get deeper flavor and better color in the finished dish. However, I can skip this step if I am short on time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. The next day, I simply start the slow cooker.

How do I know when the beef is done?

I know the beef is ready when I can easily pull it apart with a fork. The meat should be very tender and not chewy.

What can I serve with slow cooked beef dinner?

I enjoy serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or crusty bread. A simple green salad also pairs nicely with the rich flavors.

Conclusion

I love making this slow cooked beef dinner because it combines tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich homemade sauce in one comforting meal. The slow cooking process creates incredible depth of flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days, family dinners, and meal prep. Whenever I want a warm and satisfying meal, this recipe is one I happily return to again and again.

📖 Recipe:

Slow Cooked Beef Dinner

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

This slow cooked beef dinner combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich savory sauce for a comforting family meal. Perfect served with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Instructions

Season the beef chunks with salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides.
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, tomato paste, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
Add the potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and chopped onion to the slow cooker.
Place the browned beef over the vegetables and pour the prepared sauce mixture on top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and continue cooking for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.