Indulge in the rich flavors of Italian slow cooker beef, tenderly cooked to perfection. This mouthwatering recipe features succulent beef chunks aromatic herbs and a savory tomato based sauce creating a delightful and comforting dish. Let your slow cooker work its magic, and savor the taste of Italy with every bite. Perfectly paired with pasta or crusty bread, this (Italian Slow Cooker Beef ) Italian inspired dish will leave you wanting more.
Here’s a recipe for Italian slow cooker beef
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 900g) beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (a mix of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1/ Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides until they develop a nice sear. This helps to lock in the flavors and keep the meat tender for your Italian Slow Cooker Beef.
2/ Once the beef is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker.
3/ In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic. Then, transfer them to the slow cooker with the beef.
4/ Now, pour the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using) into the slow cooker.
5/ Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the beef and vegetables are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
6/ Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the beef cook for about 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on high heat for about 3 to 4 hours, but the longer, slower cooking will result in a more tender and flavorful beef.
7/ Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving Italian Slow Cooker Beef
Serve the Italian slow cooker beef over cooked pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of Italian goodness.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Italian slow cooker beef
Tips and Tricks to Enhance your Italian Slow Cooker Beef
Read the Recipe Thoroughly: Before you begin cooking read the entire recipe from start to finish. Understand the steps and ingredients will helps you plan ahead and avoid mistakes.
Prep Ahead of Time: Prepare all the ingredients before you start cooking. This includes chopping vegetables measuring spices and marinating meats. It saves time and makes the process smoother.
Keep Your Kitchen Organized: A clean and organized kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable. Keep your utensils cutting boards and ingredients within reach to avoid chaos while cooking.
Season and Taste: Season your food gradually and taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired flavors.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing or stir frying avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
Master Knife Skills: Practice proper knife techniques for efficiency and safety in the kitchen. A sharp knife makes chopping easier and reduces the risk of accidents.
Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavors in your dishes.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible opt for fresh, seasonal ingredients to enhance the taste and nutritional value of your meals.
Save Scraps for Broth: Instead of discarding vegetable peels and trimmings store them in the freezer to make homemade vegetable broth later.
Control Cooking Temperatures: Learn to control the heat on your stove or oven. Different dishes require different cooking temperatures for the best results.
Rest Meat Before Cutting: Allow cooked meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the meat tender.
Clean as You Cook: Keep your workspace tidy by cleaning utensils and surfaces as you cook. It reduces post-meal cleanup time.
Don’t Rush: Cooking is an art that requires patience. Allow dishes to cook properly and develop flavors for the best results.
Use a Timer: Set a timer to avoid overcooking or forgetting about dishes in the oven or on the stovetop.
Embrace Mistakes: Don’t be discouraged by culinary mishaps. Learn from them and use them as opportunities to improve your cooking skills.
Follow these step by step instruction to make a delicious Italian Slow Cooker Beef Recipe
Remember cooking is a journey and with time and practice you’ll become more confident and skilled in the kitchen. Enjoy the process and have fun exploring new recipes the Italian Slow Cooker Beef!
NUTRITION FACTS
The nutrition facts for Italian slow cooker beef can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size used in the recipe. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional information for a standard serving of Italian slow cooker beef, including the beef, sauce, and common ingredients, per serving
Serving Size: 4-6 ounces of Italian slow cooker beef
Calories: Approximately 200-300 calories
Total Fat: Around 10-15 grams
Saturated Fat: About 3-5 grams
Trans Fat: Typically negligible
Cholesterol: Approximately 60-90 milligrams
Sodium: Roughly 300-500 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: About 2-4 grams
Dietary Fiber: Around 0-1 gram
Sugars: Typically 1-2 grams
Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
These values can vary depending on factors such as the cut of beef used, the specific ingredients in the Italian seasoning and sauce, and the serving size. If you add additional ingredients or use larger portions, the nutritional values will change accordingly.
To get the most accurate nutrition information for your specific Italian slow cooker beef recipe, it’s recommended to calculate it based on the exact ingredients and proportions you use or check the nutritional information provided on specific product labels if you use pre-packaged ingredients. Keep in mind that adding vegetables or serving the beef with pasta or rice will also impact the overall nutritional content of the meal.
