Tender Slow Cooker Beef and Gravy Dinner (Print Version)
Tender Slow Cooker Beef and Gravy - A comforting, easy meal for busy weeknights. Rich beef and savory gravy, perfect over mashed potatoes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based
# Ingredients:
→ Main Meats & Veggies
01 -
3-4 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 2-3 inch chunks
02 -
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
03 -
2-3 medium carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
→ Flavor Foundations
04 -
4 cups beef broth (low sodium is fine)
05 -
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
→ Gravy Goodness
08 -
1/4 cup cornstarch
09 -
1/2 cup cold water
→ Finishing Touches
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First up, pat that chuck roast dry with paper towels. Honestly, this helps get a better sear, which means more flavor. Cut it into a few large chunks, maybe 2-3 inches. Season generously with salt and pepper all over. I sometimes forget this step and kick myself later, because that initial seasoning really gets deep into the meat as it cooks. It's a small thing, but it pays off!
02 -
Heat a little oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, sear your beef chunks on all sides until they're beautifully browned. Don't crowd the pan, you might need to do this in batches. This isn't about cooking the meat through, just getting that gorgeous crust. I remember once I tried to rush this and ended up steaming the beef instead of searing; big oops! That browning adds so much depth to your Slow Cooker Beef and Gravy.
03 -
Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Then, toss in your chopped onions and carrots around the beef. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the minced garlic. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything, making sure the beef is nestled in the liquid. The aroma starts building even at this stage, a promise of good things to come!
04 -
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Honestly, don't peek too much; every time you lift that lid, you lose precious heat! This is the magical part where the slow cooker does all the work for this Slow Cooker Beef and Gravy.
05 -
Once the beef is fall-apart tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred it using two forks. While the beef rests, make your cornstarch slurry: whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this into the slow cooker liquid, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens to your liking. This is where I almost always get impatient, but a minute or two of whisking makes a world of difference!
06 -
Return the shredded beef to the thickened gravy in the slow cooker. Stir it all together, letting the beef soak up all that delicious gravy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Garnish with fresh parsley. The final result should be a rich, glossy gravy coating tender beef, smelling absolutely divine and ready to make your kitchen feel like home!
# Notes:
01 -
Always sear your beef first for maximum flavor; it's a step I used to skip, but it truly makes a difference.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer.
03 -
If you don't have Worcestershire, a mix of soy sauce and a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch.
04 -
Serve this Slow Cooker Beef and Gravy over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
02 -
large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
cutting board
04 -
whisk
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 40g