20 Slow Cooker Beef Recipes for Cozy, Flavorful Dinners
There's nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a delicious, slow-cooked meal wafting through the house. With winter fast approaching, I find myself yearning for those comforting, hearty dinners that only a slow cooker can provide.
Whether you're juggling a busy schedule or just looking to make life a little easier, slow cookers are a game-changer. Today, I am thrilled to share 20 slow cooker beef recipes for cozy, flavorful dinners that will warm your heart and fill your belly. From timeless classics to unique twists, these recipes are sure to become staples in your home.
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1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Tender beef chunks, hearty vegetables, and a rich gravy make this classic beef stew unforgettable.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour in beef broth and add thyme and bay leaves.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
2. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
A creamy, dreamy take on the beloved Russian dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or rice for serving
Instructions:
- Place beef, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dijon mustard.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Stir in sour cream before serving.
- Serve over egg noodles or rice.
3. Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Brisket
A smoky, saucy brisket that's perfect for sandwiches or pairing with your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef brisket
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place brisket in the slow cooker.
- Pour in BBQ sauce and beef broth.
- Add onions, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until brisket is tender.
- Shred meat and mix with sauce before serving.
4. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Enjoy a savory, healthier version of this takeout favorite right at home.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thinly
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Place flank steak in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Pour the mixture over the beef.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Add broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over cooked rice.
5. Slow Cooker Chili
This hearty chili, packed with beef and beans, is perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add beef, beans, tomatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
6. Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
There's nothing quite like a hearty beef ragu served over fresh pasta on a cold night.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pappardelle or spaghetti for serving
Instructions:
- Place beef, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and red wine.
- Add oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is very tender.
- Shred beef and return to the sauce.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
7. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
A classic French dish made simple with the slow cooker, ideal for impressing guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 sprig thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked potatoes or egg noodles for serving
Instructions:
- Place beef, wine, and beef broth in the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, onion, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Remove thyme sprig and bay leaves before serving.
- Serve over cooked potatoes or egg noodles.
8. Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos
Spice up your taco night with these flavorful and tender Korean-inspired beef tacos.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- Flour tortillas for serving
- Garnish: shredded cabbage, sliced green onions, sriracha mayo
Instructions:
- Place beef in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the mixture over the beef.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Shred beef and serve in tortillas with desired garnishes.
9. Slow Cooker Beef Tacos
A super simple recipe for tender, flavorful beef tacos that'll quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour tortillas for serving
- Garnish: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Place beef and onion in the slow cooker.
- Pour in beef broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Shred beef and serve in tortillas with desired garnishes.
10. Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
This hearty soup is the perfect way to enjoy a warm, wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, barley, and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
11. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
An easy and scrumptious take on a beloved Chinese dish.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Green onions for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Place beef in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and water.
- Pour the mixture over the beef.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Stir in cornstarch and let thicken for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions.
12. Slow Cooker Beef Fajitas
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of fajitas with minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef flank steak, sliced into strips
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour tortillas for serving
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Instructions:
- Place beef, bell pepper, and onion in the slow cooker.
- Pour in beef broth and add soy sauce, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve in tortillas with optional toppings.
13. Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
A perfect meal for game days or family gatherings, these Italian beef sandwiches are always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- Sandwich rolls
- Provolone cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Place beef in the slow cooker.
- Add pepperoncini peppers, Italian dressing mix, and beef broth.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Shred beef and serve on rolls with provolone cheese.
14. Slow Cooker Beef Curry
A rich and aromatic curry that's both easy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Place beef, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Pour in coconut milk and beef broth.
- Add curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Serve over cooked rice.
15. Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Casserole
Comfort food at its best, this beef and potato casserole is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Layer potatoes, beef, and onion in the slow cooker.
- Pour cream of mushroom soup over the top.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
16. Slow Cooker Beef with Red Wine Sauce
An elegant dish that's perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 sprig thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, wine, and beef broth in the slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Remove thyme sprig and bay leaves before serving.
17. Slow Cooker Beef Enchiladas
Enjoy the delicious flavors of enchiladas with the convenience of a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- Flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add beef, onion, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4 hours.
- Spoon beef mixture into tortillas and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
18. Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Casserole
A comforting and easy meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Place beef, onion, rice, beef broth, vegetables, and tomatoes in the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until rice is tender.
19. Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
The ultimate comfort food, this dish is packed with flavor and tenderness.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 sprig thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, wine, and beef broth in the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, onion, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Remove thyme sprig and bay leaves before serving.
20. Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy
A sophisticated and decadent dish that's surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 sprig thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, wine, and beef broth in the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, onion, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, mushrooms, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Remove thyme sprig and bay leaves before serving.
Conclusion
There you have it, 20 slow cooker beef recipes for cozy, flavorful dinners that will make your evenings warm and delightful. Give these recipes a try, and you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!