Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes

## Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes

This recipe uses a slow-braising technique to transform tough, budget-friendly cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth morsels. By searing the meat first, we lock in a deep umami flavor that carries through the entire dish.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 4–5 hours (High) or 8–9 hours (Low)
Servings: 6 people

### Ingredients

2.5 lbs Beef Chuck Roast (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
1.5 lbs Baby Yukon Gold potatoes (halved)
3 large Carrots (peeled and sliced into thick rounds)
1 large Yellow onion (chopped)
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
2 cups Beef bone broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Tomato paste
2 tsp Dried thyme
1 tsp Dried rosemary
2 Bay leaves
2 tbsp Olive oil (for searing)
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Cornstarch Slurry: 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)

### Instructions

Sear the Beef: Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until a crust forms. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onions for 3 minutes, then add garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute. Pour in a splash of broth to scrape up the brown bits (the fond) from the pan.
Layer: Add potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker on top of the beef.
Liquid Mix: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 8–9 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
Thicken (Optional): 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker gravy. Remove bay leaves before serving.

### Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber
410 kcal	38g	16g	28g	4g

### Tips for Success

Don’t skip the sear: Searing creates the “Maillard reaction,” which provides the depth of flavor you can’t get from boiling meat.
Potato Choice: Use waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red) rather than starchy ones (Russet). Waxy potatoes hold their shape during long cook times, whereas Russets may turn to mush.
Uniform Cuts: Cut your carrots and potatoes into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

### Health Benefits

High Protein: Essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Iron & B12: Beef is a powerhouse for energy levels and red blood cell health.
Potassium: Found in the potatoes and carrots, which helps regulate blood pressure.