Slow Cooker Beef & Gravy

Slow Cooker Beef & Gravy offers a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for cozy dinners. Each tender beef bite and soft baby potato is lovingly cooked together in garlic butter and fragrant herbs, melding rich, comforting flavors.

This one-pot dish simplifies your cooking routine while delivering satisfying textures and savory depth with minimal effort. It’s ideal for busy days when you want something filling without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Beef stew meat: 2 pounds of lean beef cubes cut into 1-inch pieces for even slow cooking and tender results.
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon to add savory umami notes that deepen the beef’s natural flavor.
• Dried Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon to infuse the dish with aromatic Mediterranean herbs.
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon offering subtle warmth and smoky undertones enhancing the richness.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon for essential seasoning that elevates all ingredients.
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground to provide gentle heat and complexity.
• Baby potatoes: 1 1/2 pounds halved for a tender texture and subtle earthiness complementing beef.
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons melted, lending creamy richness and smooth garlic infusion.
• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons adding a fruity, slightly peppery base that prevents sticking.
• Garlic: 5 cloves minced to create fragrant, flavorful layers throughout the dish.
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, used as a garnish to add a fresh, herbaceous finish to the plate.

Instructions

Season the beef cubes

In a large bowl, combine beef cubes with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is well coated, which infuses the meat with aromatic and savory flavors before cooking.

Prepare the potatoes base

Place halved baby potatoes evenly at the slow cooker’s bottom. Drizzle half of the melted butter and olive oil over them, then sprinkle the minced garlic uniformly. This base layer absorbs the buttery garlic flavors while cooking, adding taste and texture.

Add seasoned beef on top

Layer the coated beef cubes over the potato base. Drizzle the remaining melted butter and olive oil to ensure moisture and richness distribute evenly during slow cooking, promoting tenderness and robust flavor development.

Slow cook until tender

Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This low-and-slow method allows beef and potatoes to soften fully while flavor melds harmoniously, resulting in fork-tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables.

Combine and garnish

Gently stir the cooked beef and potatoes to mix the flavors evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a bright herbal note and enhance visual appeal. Serve immediately for best taste.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve tenderness and moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty dish with steamed green vegetables or a crisp side salad for balance. Fresh crusty bread or gluten-free rolls also complement the rich gravy perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this slow cooker recipe?

Yes, stew meat or any cut suitable for slow cooking like chuck roast works best to achieve tender, flavorful results.

Is it possible to cook this recipe without a slow cooker?

You can prepare it in a heavy-bottom pot on low heat for several hours, but the slow cooker’s convenience is ideal for even cooking and hands-off preparation.

How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

Stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water in the last 15 minutes of cooking and continue to cook until the sauce reaches desired consistency.

Can this dish be frozen for later?

Yes, it freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Are there any vegetarian substitutes for this recipe?

You can replace beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or seitan and use vegetable broth to simulate flavors but results differ from the original.

Slow Cooker Beef Gravy

Tender beef bites and baby potatoes slow-cooked in garlic butter and herbs create a hearty and comforting American dinner that's simple to prepare and full of flavor.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course dinner, slow cooker

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

• 1 slow cooker
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 cutting board
• 1 chef's knife
• 1 measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes halved
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Combine beef cubes with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika in a large bowl; toss to coat evenly.
• Place halved baby potatoes in the base of the slow cooker; drizzle with half of the melted butter and olive oil, then sprinkle minced garlic over the potatoes.
• Layer seasoned beef on top of the potatoes and drizzle with remaining melted butter and olive oil.
• Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are cooked through.
• Gently stir beef and potatoes to combine and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For richer flavor, sear beef cubes before slow cooking.
• Add diced carrots or green beans for variety.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.