All-day-long Crockpot Beef

All-Day-Long Crockpot Beef Recipe - Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 7-9 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

The All-day-long Crockpot Beef recipe is a testament to the convenience and deliciousness that slow cooking offers. This dish, perfect for busy individuals or families, allows for a hearty, nutritious meal with minimal active preparation time. The combination of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce creates a comforting meal that's ideal for any day of the week. This introduction will guide you through the history, preparation tips, and nutritional information of this beloved recipe, ensuring a delightful cooking and dining experience.

History

The concept of slow cooking meat with vegetables and a liquid base has roots that stretch back centuries across various cultures. However, the modern crockpot, which made dishes like All-day-long Crockpot Beef accessible to the everyday home cook, was introduced in the 1970s. Since then, the recipe has evolved, incorporating various ingredients and seasonings to enhance flavor and nutrition. This dish reflects the tradition of slow-cooked meals being both a practical and delicious way to feed a family.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) beef roast
2 tsp black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 soup, onion, mix package
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp steak sauce
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 green sweet bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow onion
0.5 cup water
0.5 cup tomato juice

How to prepare

Cut the beef roast into serving-sized portions.
Use more beef if you need more than 6 servings.
Brown the beef in a bit of vegetable oil, although you can skip this step if you're short on time.
Slice the onion and separate it into rings.
Dice the peeled carrots, dice the celery, and slice the peppers into thin strips or circles.
Place these vegetables into the bottom of the crockpot.
Sprinkle the beef pieces with fresh ground black pepper, minced garlic, and the onion soup mix.
Place the beef on top of the vegetables.
Mix the steak sauce and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl with about 0.5 cup of water and 0.5 cup of tomato juice.
Pour this mixture over the meat.
Turn the crockpot to high for 30 minutes, or if you're in a hurry, skip this step.
Turn the crockpot to low, cover, and cook for 7-9 hours.
Keep the crockpot covered as much as possible throughout the cooking time.
A crockpot can be used to cook this type of meal for a varied amount of time, depending on your schedule.
It is not important that you take the meat and vegetables out at a specific amount of time.
One or two hours either way usually makes no difference.
When ready to serve, dip the meat and vegetables out of the pot with a slotted spoon. Use the liquid as is or turn the crockpot to high and thicken the liquid with a little flour or cornstarch.

Variations

Consider adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor or swapping the tomato juice for red wine for a more robust sauce. For a spicier kick, include a diced jalapeño or a dash of chili flakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To maximize the flavor and texture of your All-day-long Crockpot Beef, consider browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot. This step, while optional, adds depth to the dish. Additionally, layering the vegetables under the beef allows them to absorb the meat's juices, enriching their taste. Finally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a slurry of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef and vegetables with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad complements the richness of the dish well.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking on low heat is crucial for this recipe, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become fork-tender. If time permits, browning the beef and sautéing the onions before adding them to the crockpot can enhance the dish's depth of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce and ensure the steak sauce is gluten-free. If you're out of tomato juice, vegetable broth or beef broth can serve as good substitutes.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator in the crockpot insert. In the morning, place the insert into the crockpot, set it to low, and let it cook throughout the day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the beef and vegetables on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme for a touch of color and freshness. Drizzle some of the sauce over the top for added flavor and presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the beef. For beer lovers, a stout or porter offers a complementary robustness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of All-day-long Crockpot Beef contains approximately 300-400 calories, making it a hearty yet calorie-conscious option for a main meal.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the vegetables. A serving contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The beef roast, depending on the cut, contributes a moderate amount of fat to the dish. On average, a serving of All-day-long Crockpot Beef contains about 10-20 grams of fat. Choosing a leaner cut of beef can reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A serving of this dish provides roughly 25-30 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables and beef. It's a good source of Vitamin A (from carrots), Vitamin C (from bell peppers), and B vitamins (from beef), as well as minerals like iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and eggs. However, those with gluten sensitivities should ensure that the Worcestershire sauce and steak sauce are gluten-free or find suitable substitutes.

Summary

Overall, All-day-long Crockpot Beef is a nutritious, balanced meal that provides essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals while being mindful of carbohydrates and fats. It's a wholesome choice for those seeking both nourishment and flavor.

Summary

The All-day-long Crockpot Beef is a versatile, flavorful, and nutritious dish that epitomizes the convenience and comfort of slow-cooked meals. With its rich history, simple preparation, and wholesome ingredients, it's sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection, perfect for any day of the year.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for All-day-long Crockpot Beef. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the warm, savory aroma of beef cooking in a crockpot filled the room.

Martha greeted me with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I'm making my famous All-day-long Crockpot Beef for dinner tonight," she said. "Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly accepted her offer, always looking to expand my culinary skills and repertoire. Martha handed me a pen and a notepad and began to walk me through the recipe.

"To start," she said, "you'll need a beef roast, about 3-4 pounds. I prefer using a chuck roast for its tenderness and flavor. You'll also need some beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme."

As Martha listed off the ingredients, I jotted them down in my notebook, making sure to capture every detail. She then explained the cooking process, which was simple yet time-consuming.

"First, you'll sear the beef roast in a hot skillet to lock in the flavor," Martha instructed. "Then, you'll transfer the roast to the crockpot and add in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onions. Let it cook on low for about 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and juicy."

I listened intently as Martha shared her tips and tricks for making the perfect All-day-long Crockpot Beef. She emphasized the importance of patience and allowing the flavors to meld together over time.

As the beef simmered away in the crockpot, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering scent, Martha and I shared stories and laughter. She told me about how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

"My grandmother always said that the key to good cooking is love and patience," Martha said with a nostalgic smile. "She would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for our family to enjoy."

I could see the passion and pride in Martha's eyes as she spoke about her grandmother and the recipes she had taught her. It was clear that cooking was not just a chore for Martha but a labor of love, a way to connect with her heritage and create lasting memories.

As the sun began to set and the aroma of the beef grew stronger, Martha and I sat down to enjoy a hearty dinner together. The meat was so tender and flavorful, just as Martha had promised. Each bite was a testament to the time and care that had gone into preparing it.

As I savored the last bite of All-day-long Crockpot Beef, I felt a sense of gratitude for my friendship with Martha and for the culinary wisdom she had passed on to me. This recipe would now become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the bond we shared and the joy of cooking for loved ones.

And so, every time I make All-day-long Crockpot Beef, I think of Martha and her grandmother, two women who had inspired me to embrace the art of cooking with love and patience. Their legacy lives on in every savory, satisfying bite.