This Slow Cooker Roast Beef recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. The beef is seared to lock in flavor, then slow-cooked with rich ingredients like balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Carrots and onions add a natural sweetness, while potatoes make it a complete meal. The tender, juicy beef melts in your mouth after slow-cooking to perfection. It’s an easy yet delicious way to enjoy a hearty roast.
Ingredients:
Olive oil cooking spray or 2 tbsp olive oil
3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef joint (brisket or topside recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 onions, roughly chopped
4 carrots, halved (add more if desired)
6 potatoes, peeled and halved (optional)
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp soy sauce (use Tamari for a gluten-free version)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp concentrated tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp salt
2 cups (480 ml) hot beef stock (low-sodium recommended)
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prep the Beef: Remove the beef joint from the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat dry with kitchen paper and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear for Flavor: Heat a large pan or casserole dish, spray with olive oil, and sear the beef on all sides until browned. This should take 10-15 minutes and is crucial for enhancing the roast’s flavor.
3. Deglaze: Once seared, set the beef aside. Deglaze the pan with beef stock, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Add onions and carrots to the pan and cook until slightly caramelized.
5. Slow Cooker Base: In the slow cooker, combine beef stock, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, and bay leaves. Stir well.
6. Cook the Roast: Place the beef into the slow cooker, followed by the vegetables. The liquid should cover the beef halfway; add more stock if needed.
7. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
8. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornflour with water and stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove bay leaves, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve the tender slow-cooked roast with vegetables.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, with a flavorful roast cooked to perfection!