Name: Rich and Savory Slow Cooker Beef and Onion Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

This Rich and Savory Slow Cooker Beef and Onion Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender beef, caramelized onions, and a rich, savory sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s packed with flavor, making it an ideal family meal for cozy evenings or gatherings, effortlessly prepared with minimal hands-on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, offering melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with deep, savory flavors from slow-cooked onions and a robust sauce. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep yet delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish brings warmth and heartiness to the table. Its versatility allows for easy customization, and the aroma wafting through your home will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Brown the Beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor through caramelization.
Low and Slow: Cook on low for 8 hours to ensure the beef becomes fork-tender.
Onion Slicing: Slice onions thinly and uniformly for even cooking and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stir into the casserole, and cook on high for 15 minutes.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Use a Liner: For easy cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.

Yield: Serves 6

Rich and Savory Slow Cooker Beef and Onion Casserole

Tender beef and caramelized onions simmer in a savory sauce for a comforting slow cooker casserole.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a flavorful crust when seared.
Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, browning on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Create the Base: Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring to combine.
Add Flavor: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the onion mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Set and Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich.
Check Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, stir into the casserole, and cook on high for 15 minutes.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the casserole and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, then serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.

Notes

For best results, avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
If using a high setting, check the beef at 4 hours to prevent overcooking.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 460Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 136mgSodium 387mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 39g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which ensures tender, juicy results. Trim excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Yellow Onions: Their natural sweetness intensifies during slow cooking, creating a rich base. Vidalia onions can be used for extra sweetness.
Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness, allowing you to season to taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth; a little goes a long way.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a robust flavor; avoid pre-minced for the best taste.
Thyme: Dried thyme offers earthy notes, but fresh thyme can be used for a brighter flavor (use 1 tablespoon fresh for 1 teaspoon dried).
Butter: Used for sautéing onions, it adds richness; unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, creating a luscious consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Alternatives: Swap beef chuck for stew meat or brisket for similar tenderness. For a leaner option, try sirloin, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking for a heartier dish.
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or skip it entirely, relying on Worcestershire sauce for umami.
Herb Variations: Substitute thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Creamy Twist: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a creamy casserole.
Wine Option: Replace ½ cup of beef broth with red wine for a richer, more complex sauce.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on low heat to prevent the beef from becoming tough, stirring occasionally to evenly warm the sauce.