Slow Cooked Beef Dinner (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Meat

01 - 2 pounds beef sirloin, chuck roast, or stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning (optional)

→ Sauce

05 - 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
06 - ¼ cup soy sauce
07 - ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
08 - 3 tablespoons brown sugar
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
13 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Optional Add-ins

14 - 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
15 - 1 cup baby carrots
16 - 1 cup sliced mushrooms
17 - 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
18 - 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water for thickening

# Instructions:

01 - Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned for extra flavor. Skip this step if short on time.
03 - Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes until thoroughly blended.
04 - Place meat into the slow cooker. If using, add vegetables, arranging them around and atop the beef. Pour the sauce evenly over all components ensuring complete coverage.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
06 - Approximately 20 minutes before serving, blend cornstarch with cold water to a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
07 - Ladle the tender beef and rich sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For enhanced flavor, sear the beef before slow cooking. Using low-sodium broth helps control salt levels.