Savory Beef Crockpot Recipe: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner!
Are you searching for a comforting, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This Savory Beef Crockpot Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. This family-friendly recipe utilizes simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot to deliver an unbelievably satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Beef Crockpot Recipe
- Effortless: Dump and go! Minimal prep time is required, so you can set it and forget it.
- Flavorful: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deeply savory and satisfying taste.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the tender beef and delicious sauce.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilize inexpensive cuts of beef for an economical and hearty meal.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or even in sandwiches!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients for Savory Beef Crockpot Recipe
- 2-3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast (or other cut suitable for slow cooking)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.75 oz) can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) Dry Onion Soup Mix
- 1/2 cup Beef Broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: Baby carrots, potatoes (cut into chunks)
Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix are gluten-free.
- Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
- Try using bone-in short ribs for an even richer flavor.
How to Make Savory Beef Crockpot Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your crockpot. If using carrots and potatoes, add them now.
- Add the Beef: Place the seared beef roast on top of the vegetables in the crockpot.
- Combine the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef roast, ensuring it is mostly covered.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the beef roast from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
- Return to Sauce: Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together even more.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you create the perfect savory beef crockpot recipe!
- Don’t skip the searing! Searing the beef adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get otherwise.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt and pepper as needed, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Thicken the sauce (if desired). If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add vegetables. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the crockpot, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or celery.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add 1-2 chopped jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot for a spicy kick.
- Keto: Use a sugar-free onion soup mix. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce using heavy cream and xanthan gum.
- Healthy: Use lean beef roast and low-sodium beef broth. Load it up with extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and mushrooms!
Serving Suggestions
This delicious beef crockpot recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to this dish, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Egg Noodles: Toss the shredded beef and sauce with cooked egg noodles for a comforting and delicious pasta dish. Consider making it a crockpot pasta recipe and cook the pasta in the crockpot along with the beef.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the savory sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover beef crockpot recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the beef and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the beef and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Crockpot: You can even reheat in your crockpot recipes slow cooker! Just set to low and let warm slowly until the desired temperature is reached.
FAQ about Savory Beef Crockpot Recipe
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes! While chuck roast is a great option for this beef crockpot recipe, you can also use brisket, round roast, or even short ribs. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
A: Absolutely! Carrots, potatoes, celery, mushrooms, and bell peppers are all great additions. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process. For a healthy crockpot recipe, load up on the vegetables!
Q: Can I make this recipe with ground beef?
A: While this recipe is designed for a beef roast, you can adapt it for ground beef crockpot recipes. Brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot, then follow the recipe as directed. This works well for a quick and easy crockpot recipe.
Q: Can I make this with chicken?
A: It is best to use a recipe targeted to chicken but yes, you could. For a chicken crockpot recipe, use chicken breasts or thighs; reduce cooking time because chicken cooks faster. Be sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Chicken breast crockpot recipes work well with this method.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
A: With a few modifications, yes! Use a sugar-free onion soup mix, replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce, and consider adding some extra healthy fats like avocado oil or coconut oil for a richer flavor while enjoying this keto crockpot recipe.
Final Thoughts on Savory Beef Crockpot Recipe
This Savory Beef Crockpot Recipe is the perfect solution for a delicious and stress-free meal. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe is a winner. Save this recipe to Pinterest for future dinners. Do you have any other crockpot recipes? Leave it in the comments! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to have more recipes delivered right to your inbox.
Savory Beef Crockpot Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Large skillet,
- Medium bowl
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast (or other cut suitable for slow cooking)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes can, undrained
- 10.75 oz Cream of Mushroom Soup can
- 1 oz Dry Onion Soup Mix packet
- 1/2 cup Beef Broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: Baby carrots, potatoes (cut into chunks)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your crockpot. If using carrots and potatoes, add them now.
- Add the Beef: Place the seared beef roast on top of the vegetables in the crockpot.
- Combine the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef roast, ensuring it is mostly covered.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the beef roast from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
- Return to Sauce: Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together even more.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
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