15+ Slow Cooker Beef Recipes Perfect for Easy Family Dinners
Slow cooker beef recipes are a great way to enjoy hearty meals with minimal effort. These dishes are perfect for busy days when you want a delicious dinner waiting for you at home. A slow cooker lets you create tender and flavorful beef meals that everyone will love.
Using simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can prepare a variety of comforting dishes. From classic beef stew to flavorful beef bourguignon, these recipes allow you to indulge in a warm, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
1) Classic Beef Stew with Red Wine
Classic beef stew with red wine is a comforting dish that warms you up on chilly days. The rich flavors from the beef, vegetables, and red wine blend beautifully as they slow cook together.
You will need tender beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic for a hearty meal. The red wine adds depth to the broth, making each bite satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or bay leaves)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the beef chunks on all sides.
- Place the browned beef in your slow cooker.
- Add potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic.
- Pour in the red wine and beef broth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4 hours) until the beef is tender.
2) Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day. You’ll love how simple it is to make. Using a slow cooker makes it even easier.
Start with layers of ground beef and diced potatoes. You can add delicious ingredients like cheese and onion for great flavor. This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups diced russet potatoes
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Layer half of the potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add half of the browned beef and half of the onion.
- Pour in one can of cream of mushroom soup and half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
3) Beef Bourguignon à la Slow Cooker
Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish made easy with a slow cooker. You will enjoy tender beef, rich flavors, and a comforting stew that warms your soul.
To start, prepare your beef by cutting it into chunks. Sear the pieces briefly to enhance the flavor. After browning, add onions, carrots, and garlic to the slow cooker. These veggies add great taste.
Next, pour in red wine and beef broth. You can also include herbs like thyme and bay leaves for extra flavor. Set your slow cooker to low for about 8 hours.
Your Beef Bourguignon will be ready when the beef is fork-tender. Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Sear the beef in a skillet until browned.
- Add bacon, onions, carrots, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Place the seared beef on top.
- Pour in wine and broth.
- Add thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours until beef is tender.
4) Barbecue Pulled Beef Brisket
If you love tender and flavorful beef, barbecue pulled beef brisket is a fantastic choice. This dish uses a slow cooker to ensure the meat is juicy and falls apart easily. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce adds great flavor.
To make this dish, you will need a beef brisket, a few simple spices, and your favorite barbecue sauce. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend beautifully, resulting in a delicious meal.
You can serve the pulled beef on toasted buns with coleslaw for added crunch. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Rub the brisket with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the brisket in the slow cooker.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the brisket.
- Cook on low for 8 hours (about 93°C) or on high for 4 hours (about 149°C).
- Shred the beef with forks and mix it with the sauce before serving.
5) Savory Ground Beef Chili
Savory Ground Beef Chili is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. You can easily prepare this in your slow cooker. The combination of ground beef, beans, and spices makes it hearty and delicious.
To start, brown the ground beef in a skillet. This adds extra flavor. Then, transfer it to your slow cooker along with beans and tomatoes.
You can customize the spice level by adding chili powder, cumin, or bell peppers. Let it cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
Serve it hot with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream. It’s a simple meal that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
6) Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Slow cooker pepper steak is a delicious and easy meal for any night. You will love the combination of tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and savory onions. This dish is inspired by Chinese flavors and is perfect served over rice.
To make it, start by slicing your beef. You can use beef sirloin or flank steak. Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
Next, add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the slow cooker. Pour in some beef broth for extra flavor. You’ll want to cook it on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
This dish cooks to tender perfection, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef, sliced (sirloin or flank steak)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
- Place beef, bell peppers, and onions in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7) Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Delight
Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare in your slow cooker. You’ll enjoy tender beef and fresh broccoli coated in a savory teriyaki sauce. This meal is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without much effort.
To make it, you’ll start by combining beef broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil in your slow cooker. Add minced garlic and brown sugar for extra flavor. You can then add your sliced beef and let it cook.
When it’s almost done, toss in the broccoli for the last 30 minutes. This keeps it crisp and vibrant. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) beef, sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Cooking Instructions
- In the slow cooker, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and brown sugar.
- Add beef slices and stir to coat.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, add broccoli florets.
- Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
8) Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup
A warm bowl of Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup is perfect for any day. This dish combines tender beef with a variety of fresh vegetables. It’s both nutritious and filling.
Use your slow cooker to make this recipe easy. Just chop your veggies, add in your beef, and let it cook. The flavors mix well over time, creating a delicious meal.
You’ll find that this soup can use many different vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, and green beans are great options. Feel free to add your favorites for extra taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) beef stew meat
- 2 cups (300 g) carrots, sliced
- 2 cups (300 g) potatoes, diced
- 1 cup (150 g) green beans, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Place beef in the slow cooker.
- Add the vegetables.
- Pour in beef broth.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours (about 93°C) or HIGH for 4 hours (about 149°C).
- Stir before serving warm.
9) Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Nachos
Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Nachos are perfect for a fun family meal. You can make them using your slow cooker to keep the beef tender and flavorful.
Start by seasoning the beef with spices like cumin and chili powder. When it’s cooked, shred it and mix with your favorite salsa.
Layer tortilla chips on a plate, add the beef, and top with cheese. You can also throw on some sliced jalapeños for extra spice. Don’t forget the guacamole and sour cream on the side!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 cup salsa
- Tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Jalapeños (optional)
- Guacamole (for serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Cooking Instructions
- Season the beef with cumin and chili powder.
- Place the beef in the slow cooker and add salsa.
- Cook on low for 8 hours (about 93°C) or high for 4 hours (about 163°C).
- Shred the beef when done.
- Layer tortilla chips on a plate.
- Top with shredded beef and cheese.
- Add jalapeños if desired.
- Serve with guacamole and sour cream.
10) Asian-Style Beef Short Ribs
Asian-Style Beef Short Ribs are a delicious and hearty meal. The flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic make the beef tender and tasty. You can easily prepare this dish in your slow cooker.
To get started, gather your ingredients. You’ll enjoy how simple it is to throw everything in the pot and let it cook slowly. The result is melt-in-your-mouth beef that pairs perfectly with rice.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef short ribs
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the beef short ribs in the slow cooker.
- Pour the sauce over the ribs, making sure they are well coated.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 95-105°C) or until the beef is tender.
- Serve over rice, drizzling with the sauce.
11) Slow-Cooked Beef Tacos
Slow-cooked beef tacos are a tasty and easy meal. You can use various cuts of beef, like chuck roast or brisket. This method makes the meat tender and flavorful.
To start, season the beef with your favorite spices and add some salsa or sauce. Place everything in your slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 8 hours (approximately 93°C).
Once done, shred the beef with two forks. Fill soft or crunchy tortillas with the tender meat and top with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds of beef (chuck roast or brisket)
- 1 cup of salsa
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- Tortillas
- Optional toppings: cheese, lettuce, onions, cilantro
Cooking Instructions
- Season the beef with spices.
- Place beef, salsa, and seasoning in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours (approximately 93°C).
- Shred the beef with two forks.
- Fill tortillas with the beef and toppings. Enjoy!
12) Beef and Sweet Potato Curry
Beef and sweet potato curry is a delicious choice for your slow cooker. The combination of tender beef and sweet potatoes creates a warm and comforting dish. It’s great for family dinners.
Start by preparing your beef. Cut it into chunks and sear it to lock in the flavors. Then, add sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness and a hearty texture.
For added flavor, include spices and coconut milk. Let everything simmer together. This will allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Ingredients
- 800g beef chuck steak, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 lemongrass stem, bruised
- 400ml coconut milk
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
Cooking Instructions
- Heat your slow cooker on low.
- Sear the beef chunks in a pan until browned.
- Place beef in the slow cooker.
- Add the curry paste, onion, garlic, and lemongrass.
- Add sweet potatoes and coconut milk.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
13) Rustic Italian Beef Ragu
Rustic Italian Beef Ragu is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make in a slow cooker, allowing the beef to become tender and flavorful.
You’ll start with a few simple ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and beef combine to create a rich sauce. Cooking on low heat for several hours enhances the flavors beautifully.
To serve, pair the ragu with pasta or crusty bread. This dish is all about enjoying hearty, Italian flavors at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef roast
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the beef on all sides.
- Place the chopped onion and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add the beef on top, followed by crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
- Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (about 90°C) or high for 4 hours (about 160°C).
- Shred the beef before serving and mix it with the sauce.
14) Mouthwatering Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish that’s perfect for your slow cooker. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. You can enjoy tender beef alongside mushrooms and onions in a rich sauce.
To make this dish, you’ll combine ingredients like beef, soup, and Worcestershire sauce in your slow cooker. Cook it on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours. The result is a hearty meal that your family will love.
Serve it over egg noodles or rice for a filling dinner. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef (round steak or similar)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or rice for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Place beef, soup, onion, water, and Worcestershire sauce in the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.
- Before serving, stir in the sour cream.
- Serve over egg noodles or rice.
15) Honey Garlic Beef Shanks
Honey garlic beef shanks are a delicious and easy dish that you can make in your slow cooker. The beef becomes tender as it cooks low and slow, soaking up the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic.
To prepare this recipe, start by seasoning the beef shanks. You can add herbs and spices that you enjoy. Then, place the shanks in the slow cooker with garlic, honey, and your choice of broth.
Cook the beef on low for 8 hours (about 93°C) or on high for 4 hours (about 121°C). This will help the meat become fork-tender.
Ingredients
- 2-3 beef shanks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
Cooking Instructions
- Season the beef shanks with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Then, place them in the slow cooker.
- After that, add garlic, honey, and beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Finally, serve hot and enjoy!