Slow cooked beef is typically prepared by cooking beef at low temperatures for an extended period, allowing the meat to become tender and flavorful. Popular slow cooked beef dishes include beef bourguignon, roast beef, shredded (pulled) beef, and beef stew. Here are some common methods and recipes:
- Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon: Beef chuck pieces are browned then slow cooked with bacon, red wine, chicken broth, tomato sauce, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms for 8-10 hours on low or 6 hours on high until tender. This results in a rich, hearty stew often served with mashed potatoes.
- Slow Cooker Roast Beef: A topside or top round beef roast is seared, then slow cooked with beef stock, red wine, carrots, onions, tomato puree, sugar, salt, and pepper for 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high. The cooking liquid can be reduced to a gravy. Resting the beef before slicing keeps it juicy.
- Slow Cooker Pulled Beef: Chuck roast is rubbed with oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, herbs, and garlic, layered with onions, then slow cooked for 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high until the beef shreds easily. The shredded beef is ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or other dishes.
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Floured beef is browned and cooked with onion, garlic, carrots, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, with peas and cornflour added at the end to thicken the stew.
These slow cooked beef recipes yield tender, flavorful meat by cooking low and slow with a combination of liquids, herbs, and vegetables to enhance taste and texture.
