Drop-and-Go Slow Cooker Beef Cubes

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Drop-and-Go Slow Cooker Beef Cubes

Description

This is a simple, hands-off slow cooker beef recipe where raw beef cubes go straight into the slow cooker—no browning required. Over several hours, the beef becomes tender, juicy, and flavorful as it cooks slowly in a savory broth with vegetables and seasonings. It’s ideal for busy days, meal prep, or beginner cooks who want reliable results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 1½–2 inch cubes

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 carrots, sliced

  • 3 potatoes, diced

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Place the raw beef cubes directly into the slow cooker.

  2. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes on top of the beef.

  3. In a bowl, mix beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

  4. Pour the mixture evenly over the ingredients.

  5. Add the bay leaf.

  6. Cover and cook:

    • Low: 7–8 hours

    • High: 4–5 hours

  7. (Optional) For thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water, stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes, and cook until thickened.

  8. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Servings

6 servings

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 380

  • Protein: 35g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbohydrates: 18g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sodium: 620mg

Values may vary based on ingredients used.

Benefits

  • No pre-browning required – saves time and cleanup

  • High-protein meal that supports muscle health

  • Slow cooking tenderizes tough cuts of beef

  • Budget-friendly and great for meal prep

  • One-pot comfort food with minimal effort

Notes

  • Beef chuck is best because it becomes tender and flavorful over long cooking times.

  • Cutting beef into uniform cubes ensures even cooking.

  • Vegetables can be swapped for mushrooms, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.

Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t lift the lid while cooking—this releases heat and slows cooking.

  • Season lightly at the start and adjust salt at the end.

  • For richer flavor, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar.

  • Let the dish rest 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.

Q & A

Q: Is it safe to put raw beef directly into a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Slow cookers are designed to safely cook raw meat when used correctly.

Q: Will skipping browning affect flavor?
A: Browning adds depth, but long slow cooking still produces a rich, satisfying taste.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this without vegetables?
A: Absolutely. The beef alone works well for tacos, sandwiches, or over rice.

Q: How do I make it keto-friendly?
A: Skip potatoes and carrots; use celery, mushrooms, or turnips instead.

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