slow cooked comfort food

The Best Homemade Slow Cooking Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade slow cooking recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting and easy meal. It’s packed with flavor and practically cooks itself! You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, with just a few ingredients and minimal effort needed. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth results are sure to impress family and friends. Plus, the aroma filling your home will make the wait totally worth it!

Recipe

flavorful tender minimal effort meals

Slow cooking is a fantastic way to create flavorful, tender meals with minimal effort. This homemade slow cooking recipe delivers a comforting dish perfect for busy days or cozy evenings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine beef broth, tomato sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
  5. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

Notes:

– For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Equipment:

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl

Time:

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 4-8 hours

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

Serves 6

Nutrition

Nutritional information for this recipe can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Below is an approximate breakdown per serving.

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 25 g
Carbohydrates 30 g
Fat 12 g
Fiber 5 g
Sugar 8 g
Sodium 600 mg

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my slow-cooked meals with fresh vegetable side dishes, like roasted carrots or a crisp salad, to balance the rich flavors. A warm loaf of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce, and it’s so easy to make or pick up. Trust me, these simple additions can turn a good meal into something really special.

Vegetable Side Dishes

When you’re making a hearty slow-cooked meal, you’ll want sides that balance the richness without stealing the spotlight. I love pairing mine with simple roasted carrots, tossed in olive oil and honey—they add sweetness without overpowering. Garlicky green beans, quickly sautéed, bring a fresh crunch. Or try buttered peas with a hint of mint for a bright contrast. If I’m craving something creamy, mashed cauliflower does the trick. These sides complement the deep flavors of slow cooking without competing. They’re easy to whip up while your main dish simmers, making the whole meal feel balanced and complete.

Bread Pairings

Nothing beats the comfort of warm, fresh bread alongside a hearty slow-cooked meal. I always reach for crusty baguettes or soft dinner rolls to soak up rich sauces or stews. A rustic sourdough loaf pairs perfectly with beef roasts, while fluffy focaccia complements Italian dishes like braised short ribs. For chili, I love cornbread—sweet and crumbly. Garlic bread transforms pasta dishes, and naan or pita works wonders with curry. Don’t forget biscuits with creamy soups or pot pies! Bread isn’t just a side; it’s the perfect finishing touch to make every bite feel complete and cozy.

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