Slow Cooked Beef Sauce

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Servings: 4 servings Difficulty: Intermediate
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Rich, tender beef chunks simmered in a savory, aromatic gravy perfect for pasta or rice
Slow Cooked Beef Sauce recipe image
Slow Cooked Beef Sauce recipe image
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Slow Cooked Beef Sauce

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 servings Calories: 37.2

Description

This Slow Cooked Beef Sauce transforms tough cuts of beef into meltingly tender morsels bathed in a deep, savory gravy. By utilizing the low and slow cooking method, the connective tissues break down completely, resulting in a luxurious texture that cannot be achieved with quick stovetop cooking. The sauce develops complex flavors from caramelized onions, garlic, and rich beef stock, often enhanced with herbs like thyme or rosemary. It is an excellent dish for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners, as it requires minimal active effort. Serve it over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or wide ribbons of pasta to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. This comforting meal is both satisfying and economical, making the most of affordable cuts of meat.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil.
  3. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, saut&# 195;© the chopped onions until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Transfer the onions, garlic, and beef to the slow cooker.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the dried thyme.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  9. If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the beef and vegetables, then whisk a slurry of cornstarch and water into the liquid and simmer on the stovetop until thickened. Return the beef to the sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 37.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 4.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 8.2g3%
Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugars 0.2g
Protein 1.6g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce during the browning step.

This sauce freezes exceptionally well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

While the original metadata mentioned vegan options, traditional beef sauce contains meat. For a vegan version, substitute beef with king oyster mushrooms or seitan and use vegetable broth.

Serve over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the juices.

Keywords: beef, sauce, slow-cooker, stew, grav, dinner, comfort-food, easy, meat, braised, herbs, onion, garlic, stock, family-meal, leftovers
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