Welcome to your next kitchen favorite! This Slow-Cooked Beef in Onion Sauce is the comfort food you’ve been waiting for. With a velvety onion sauce and tender beef, each bite feels like a warm embrace, perfect for chilly days or a hearty family dinner. Join us as we delve into creating this flavorful masterpiece that always disappears quickly from the table!
Imagine coming home to the intoxicating aroma of savory beef slow-cooked to perfection, enveloped in a rich onion sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that gathers family around the table, sharing warmth, happiness, and delicious bites. This recipe is not only simple to make but also stars the humble onion, which transforms the beef into a delectable dish that calls to mind family traditions and festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Slow-Cooked Beef in Onion Sauce
- Hearty Comfort Food: The tender beef paired with a creamy onion sauce is the quintessential comfort food, perfect for any occasion.
- Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this dish comes together beautifully, leaving you free to attend to other tasks.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors of this dish, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin crafting this delicious Slow-Cooked Beef in Onion Sauce, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Start by clearing your countertops for a spacious workspace; this will allow you to move freely while cooking. You’ll need a slow cooker, mixing bowls, a whisk, and measuring cups and spoons for the best results.
If you’re planning to serve the beef over mashed potatoes or noodles, make sure to set your pot or colander ready. Consider keeping your favorite side dish ingredients handy so that when the beef is done, you can whip up a meal in no time. The simpler everything is to access, the more enjoyable your cooking experience will be!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds stewing beef – trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 packet of onion soup mix (approx. 1 oz.)
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
To start, take your trimmed and cut stewing beef and lay it in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure it’s spread out evenly to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial as it helps the beef to cook through properly, allowing the flavors to infuse beautifully during the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, grab your onion soup mix, condensed cream of mushroom soup, flour, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This sauce will become the heart of your dish, enveloping the beef in a rich, thick coating that provides depth and taste.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the beef in the slow cooker. Ensure every piece of meat is well-coated with the sauce to maximize flavor. Season with freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference. Stir gently to combine everything, then cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Step 4: Set the Slow Cooker
For the ultimate tenderness, set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for approximately 8 hours. If you’re pressed for time, you can choose the high setting, which will take around 4-5 hours. Remember to stir gently before serving to mix the flavors well, ensuring that every bite is just as delicious as the last.
Step 5: Serve
After your slow-cooked beef is finished, it’s time to plate up! This beef in onion sauce pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or even fresh bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy your hearty meal with family and friends!
Variations
- Protein: Consider using chicken or pork instead of beef for different flavors. Both options work wonderfully with the onion sauce.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for a heartier meal. Simply chop them up and include them in the slow cooker with the beef.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to the sauce before cooking for a delightful twist.
Cooking Notes
- Storing leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Cook time adjustments: Adjust the cook time based on the size of the beef pieces; larger chunks may require extra time.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a true comfort meal.
- Serve with buttered noodles to soak up the delicious onion sauce.
- Add a side of green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Tips
- For enhanced flavor, sear the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Always adjust seasoning to taste; everyone has their preference for salt and pepper.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes or 4 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: About 30g
- Sodium: Approximately 500mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
It’s not recommended to use frozen beef because it may not cook evenly. Thaw the beef completely before using it.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook the beef on low heat in a heavy pot with a lid. It should take about the same amount of time and you should check for tenderness.
What can I serve with Slow-Cooked Beef in Onion Sauce?
This beef pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Serve with a side of veggies or a green salad for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great option. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Slow-Cooked Beef in Onion Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of hearty flavors and comfort food at its best. Each bite offers a delicious journey that brings warmth to your chilly evenings. We encourage you to try this dish, experiment with different variations, and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your thoughts, experiences, or any creative twists you add to the recipe in the comments below. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Slow-Cooked Beef in Onion Sauce
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow-Cooked Beef in Onion Sauce is the comfort food you’ve been waiting for!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds stewing beef – trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 packet of onion soup mix (approx. 1 oz.)
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To start, take your trimmed and cut stewing beef and lay it in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure it’s spread out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- In a medium-sized bowl, grab your onion soup mix, condensed cream of mushroom soup, flour, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the beef in the slow cooker. Ensure every piece of meat is well-coated with the sauce to maximize flavor.
- For the ultimate tenderness, set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for approximately 8 hours.
- After your slow-cooked beef is finished, it’s time to plate up!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing is a great option. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 500 mg
- Protein: About 30 g