Can I make slow cooker beef bites without browning the meat first?

Absolutely! While browning adds depth of flavor through caramelization, you can skip this step if you're short on time. Simply coat the beef in seasoned flour and add directly to the slow cooker. The result will still be delicious, though slightly less complex in flavor

What's the best cut of beef for slow cooker beef bites?

Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooker beef bites due to its marbling and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking. Other excellent options include shoulder, bottom round, or brisket. Lean cuts like sirloin can work but may not be as tender

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes! For Instant Pot slow cooker beef bites, use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook on high for 35 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. It saves a lot of time without sacrificing quality

My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?

A slurry made of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water can provide a thicker sauce. Stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking with the lid off or on high setting. Alternatively, remove the lid for the final hour of cooking to allow natural reduction

Can I add vegetables like potatoes to this recipe?

Certainly! For firmer vegetables like potatoes or parsnips, cut into 1-inch pieces and add at the beginning of cooking. For softer vegetables like peas or green beans, add during the final 30-60 minutes to prevent overcooking

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

For younger palates, reduce the black pepper by half and consider adding 1/4 cup of ketchup to the sauce for familiar sweetness. Serving over buttered noodles or with dinner rolls for dipping often increases appeal for children

Slow Cooker Beef Bites: Unbelievably Easy Comfort Food

Description

These slow cooker beef bites deliver extraordinary flavor with minimal effort, transforming simple ingredients into a comfort food masterpiece. Tender beef chunks in a rich, savory sauce alongside perfectly cooked vegetables create a meal that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 large carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
8 ounces mushrooms, quartered

Instructions

Season the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Toss the beef cubes in the seasoned flour until lightly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, quickly brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per batch.
Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and mushrooms.
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables.
Add the dried thyme and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
About 15 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.

Notes

For extra tender meat, toss the beef with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 30 minutes before coating with flour.
The browning step is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
For maximum flavor development, place the vegetables on the bottom of the slow cooker with meat on top.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as each peek reduces temperature and adds cooking time.
The flavor improves overnight, making this a great make-ahead meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 385
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: slow cooker beef bites, slow cooker recipes, beef comfort food, easy beef dinner, tender beef recipes, slow cooked meat, weeknight dinner, make-ahead meals