cubed beef placed inside a slow cooker.

🐄 Slow Cooker Cubed Beef in Savory Gravy

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)

Serves: 4–6

🍴 Ingredients:

• 2 lbs cubed beef (stew meat or chuck, cut into 1–2 inch pieces)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups beef broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (adds umami)

• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening at the end)

• Optional: ½ cup sliced mushrooms or 1 diced carrot for extra flavor

• Optional garnish: fresh parsley

🔪 Instructions:

1. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
   Add cubed beef to the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
   Top with chopped onions, garlic, and any optional vegetables.

2. Add the Liquids:
   Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.

3. Slow Cook:
   Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

   • In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir together cornstarch and cold water.

   • Stir into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve:
   Spoon over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, buttered rice, or even polenta.
   Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.

🔄 Variations:

• Creamy version: Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end.

• Wine upgrade: Replace ½ cup of broth with red wine for a richer flavor.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Would you like this made into a beef stew, stroganoff-style, or a low-carb version with cauliflower mash?