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Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Cubed Beef – The star of the dish! Choose a cut that’s ideal for slow cooking, such as chuck roast, stew beef, or brisket. These cuts are known for becoming tender and juicy when cooked low and slow, and they soak up the flavors from the other ingredients.
- Beef Broth – A savory base that enhances the natural flavor of the beef and keeps it moist while cooking. Beef broth will also add depth to your dish and bring out the best in the other ingredients.
- Onion Soup Mix – This is the secret ingredient that packs in a ton of flavor without much effort. The onion soup mix adds seasoning, herbs, and a bit of richness that infuses the beef and broth, creating a savory and satisfying dish.
How to Make It:
Step 1: Prepare Your Beef Start by cutting your beef into bite-sized cubes. You can buy pre-cubed beef or do this yourself at home. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Season the beef with a little salt and pepper if desired, though the onion soup mix will add a lot of seasoning on its own.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker Place the cubed beef into the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, just enough to cover the beef, and sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is coated with the broth and seasoning.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow Set your slow cooker on the low setting and let it work its magic. Cook the beef for 6 to 8 hours, or until it’s fall-apart tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook it on the high setting for about 3 to 4 hours, though the low-and-slow method generally yields the best results.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy! Once the beef is done cooking, you’ll notice how incredibly tender and flavorful it has become. You can serve this dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles to soak up all the delicious juices. You can also add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to make it a complete one-pot meal.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simplicity – This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With only three ingredients and minimal prep, you get a flavorful and satisfying meal with almost no effort. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Tender Beef – Slow cooking is the best way to tenderize tougher cuts of meat like chuck roast or stew beef. The long cooking time breaks down the collagen in the meat, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Rich, Savory Flavor – The beef broth and onion soup mix create a deeply flavorful base that infuses the beef, making it rich and savory. The longer the beef cooks, the more it absorbs the flavors from the broth and seasonings.
- Versatility – This simple beef dish can be customized to your tastes. Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes to the slow cooker to make it a hearty, one-pot meal. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to add your own twist.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker – If you’re making a large batch, make sure there’s enough room for the beef and liquid to circulate properly. Overcrowding can prevent the meat from cooking evenly.
- Adjust the Consistency – If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken the liquid towards the end of cooking. Simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make It Your Own – Feel free to experiment with different types of broth, such as vegetable broth or chicken broth, to change the flavor profile. Adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar can also enhance the taste.
Conclusion
With just raw cubed beef, beef broth, and onion soup mix, you can create a deliciously rich, tender meal that will satisfy your hunger and impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to enjoy on a cold day, this slow cooker recipe is the answer. So grab those three simple ingredients, toss them in your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. You’ll be left with a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion!
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