Name: Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Beef 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; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy days. Tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors meld effortlessly in your slow cooker, creating a wholesome meal that warms the soul. Ideal for family dinners, it’s easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Beef Casserole is a game-changer for anyone craving a home-cooked meal without the fuss. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming affordable ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish. It’s perfect for busy schedules, as you can toss everything in and let it simmer all day. The tender beef melts in your mouth, while the vegetables soak up the savory broth, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste. Plus, it’s versatile—customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping, this casserole delivers comfort and convenience in every spoonful.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Brown the Beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor through caramelization.
Layer Strategically: Place root vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker, as they take longer to cook.
Don’t Overfill: Keep ingredients below the two-thirds mark to ensure even cooking and avoid spills.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix in a cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before serving.
Taste and Adjust: Check seasoning near the end; slow cooking can mute some flavors, so add herbs or salt as needed.
Use Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme before serving adds a vibrant touch.

Yield: Serves 6

Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Casserole

Tender beef and hearty vegetables simmer in a rich broth for an easy, 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
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

<ol><li>Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss in flour to coat lightly.</li><li>Sear for Flavor: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, to lock in juices. Transfer to the slow cooker.</li><li>Add Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add to the slow cooker.</li><li>Layer the Vegetables: Place carrots and potatoes in the slow cooker, spreading them evenly to ensure consistent cooking.</li><li>Mix the Broth: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour over the beef and vegetables.</li><li>Add Seasoning: Tuck the bay leaf into the mixture. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.</li><li>Set and Forget: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.</li><li>Check Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir in 30 minutes before finishing.</li><li>Remove Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitter notes.</li><li>Garnish and Serve: Ladle the casserole into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread or rice.</li><li>Enjoy the Leftovers: Let leftovers cool completely before storing in the fridge or freezer for future meals.</li></ol>

Notes

For best results, don’t skip browning the beef—it adds depth to the flavor.
If using a smaller slow cooker (4-quart or less), reduce ingredients proportionally.
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning, as slow cooking can mellow flavors.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 521Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 125mgSodium 387mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 4gSugar 4gProtein 41g

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: Affordable and flavorful, chuck roast becomes tender after slow cooking. Trim excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Carrots and Potatoes: These hearty vegetables add texture and sweetness. Cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base. Yellow onions work best for their mild sweetness.
Beef Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Homemade broth elevates the dish’s depth.
Tomato Paste: Adds umami and a slight tang, enhancing the beefy flavor without overpowering.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash brings savory, tangy notes that complement the beef perfectly.
Flour: Used to coat the beef, it helps thicken the sauce during cooking. All-purpose works fine.
Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs infuse earthy, aromatic flavors. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Options: Swap beef chuck for stew meat, brisket, or even lamb for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Swaps: Try parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist.
Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for coating the beef to make it gluten-free.
Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbs while keeping it hearty.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky or spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms and lentils in place of beef, with vegetable broth for a meatless option.
Wine Addition: Substitute part of the broth with red wine for a richer, more complex flavor.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tip: Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore the sauce’s consistency.