What cut of beef is best for slow cooker beef and potatoes?

Beef chuck roast is the ideal cut for a slow cooker beef and potatoes recipe. Its marbling and connective tissue break down beautifully during long, slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-apart beef.

Can I add other vegetables to this slow cooker beef and potatoes recipe?

Absolutely! Carrots, celery, mushrooms, green beans, or even parsnips are excellent additions. Add harder vegetables like carrots and celery at the beginning with the potatoes, and softer ones like green beans or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking so they don't get mushy.

How long does slow cooker beef and potatoes last in the fridge?

Cooked slow cooker beef and potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?

While not strictly necessary for safety, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is highly recommended for this slow cooker beef and potatoes recipe. It creates a rich, caramelized crust on the meat, which significantly deepens the flavor of the entire dish and adds complexity to the gravy. If you're short on time, you can skip it, but for the best results, take the extra step.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Recipe: 1-Pot Comfort Meal for Busy Weeknights

Description

A comforting and easy slow cooker beef and potatoes recipe featuring tender, fall-apart chuck roast and flavorful potatoes, all simmered in a rich savory gravy. Perfect for a cozy family meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

2-3 lb beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
1 tsp salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer color)
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
2 bay leaves
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: (Optional, but recommended for deeper flavor) Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until deeply browned. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 3: If you seared the beef, add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, scraping up any browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. If skipping searing, simply place raw beef into the slow cooker.
Step 4: Place the seared or raw beef into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the potato chunks, and cooked onion and garlic (if applicable) around and over the beef.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste (if using), dried rosemary, dried thyme, and smoked paprika (if using). Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves.
Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
Step 7: Carefully remove the bay leaves. Shred the tender beef using two forks. Stir the shredded beef back into the gravy and vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker beef and potatoes recipe!

Notes

For an even richer gravy, you can thicken it at the end. Remove about 1/2 cup of the liquid, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, then return to the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. For best results, use good quality beef broth.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Slow Cooker / Instant Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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