Got it! You want to cook raw cubed beef in a slow cooker. Hereβs a clear, safe, and tasty way to do it. π₯©π²
Slow Cooker Beef Stew / Braised Beef Method
Ingredients (basic)
- 1β2 lbs (450β900 g) beef, cut into 1β2 inch cubes
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive)
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3β4 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2β3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1β2 tsp salt, Β½β1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1β2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1β2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (optional, for thicker gravy)
Instructions
- Optional browning step (for flavor):
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef cubes 2β3 min per side until brown.
- Browning adds depth but you can skip this if short on time.
- Add ingredients to the slow cooker:
- Place beef, vegetables, garlic, and herbs in the slow cooker.
- Pour in beef broth and tomato paste.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook low for 7β8 hours or high for 4β5 hours.
- Beef should be tender and vegetables soft.
- Optional thickening:
- If you want thicker gravy, mix 1β2 tbsp flour or cornstarch with a little water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust:
- Add extra salt, pepper, or spices before serving.
π‘ Tips:
- Cubes around 1β2 inches cook best; too small and they dry out.
- Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips work well.
- Slow cookers vary: check beef at the lower end of cooking time to avoid overcooking.
If you want, I can give you a fancier slow cooker beef recipe with a rich gravy and herbs that tastes restaurant-level.
Do you want me to do that?