Simple Crockpot Beef and Gravy
4
servings25
minutes6
hoursSimple to make doesn’t mean simple flavors! Part of our New Year’s resolution should be to use the crockpot more often…it’s so easy!!
This slow cooking beef recipe is a delicious and comforting meal for a cold winter day.
In this recipe, we sear the meat first before putting it in the crockpot. We know we mentioned simple but if you have time it is definitely worth the extra time and effort to pre-sear the meat. The little extra bit of work results in a lot extra flavor! We will provide directions on searing but if you don’t have the time, the recipe is still delicious without searing.
Ingredients
3 1/2 – 4 lbs. of chuck roast
(1) 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes ( we use fire-roasted)
(1) 10.5 oz. can of condensed beef consommé
2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 small onion, diced
1 poblano pepper, chopped*
3-4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
1/2 cup of red wine
1 tsp. or more of chipotle chili paste (we use Wegman’s brand)
1-2 tsp. of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 Tbsp. of vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. of flour or cornstarch
Directions
- Set the crockpot setting to high. Add diced tomatoes, beef consommé, celery, carrots, onions, peppers, garlic, red wine, chili paste, salt, pepper and rosemary. Mix gently to combine.
- Using kitchen scissors, cut and trim beef into 2 inch pieces. This allows the beef to cook quicker. If not searing the meat, add meat pieces to crockpot.
If searing… pat the meat dry with a paper towel (this helps the meat from steaming and allows it to sear). Use a stainless steel pan or cast iron skillet (do not use a non-stick pan). Add approximately 2 Tbsp. of vegetable oil (which has a higher smoke point), or just enough oil to cover the pan.Â
Set the pan on high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer or slightly smoke, add the meat. Leave spaces between pieces of meat to allow them to sear properly.
Meat needs a few minutes to sear. Resist the temptation to move it! It will actually stick to the bottom of the pan at first and then in a couple of minutes it will release naturally and ready to be flipped.
Once you’ve seared all sides, transfer meat to crockpot. - Allow to cook in the crockpot until beef is tender, about 5 1/2 – 6 hours.
-  When beef is tender, remove 1/2 cup of broth to small bowl. Add 2 Tbsp. of flour or cornstarch and mix together. Add mixture back into the crockpot. Stir to thicken gravy.
Tips and Nutritional Value:
- 1. * Poblano peppers are considered a chili pepper but they are mild and add lots of flavor without being overly spicy. Green or red peppers can be substituted.Â
- 2. Serve this meal with our roasted broccoli with lemon oil and crushed chili peppers and Trader Joe’s Asparagus Risotto
