Tender and juicy beef cuts make a wonderful winter meal. Easy to prepare, they simply need slow, gentle cooking to release their succulence. A slow cooker is ideal to cook them in, or you can simmer them in the oven.
Brown the beef first
Taking the time to brown the beef before cooking intensifies the flavour of your dish.
Brown the beef in small batches. Keep the pan at medium high heat, which helps the meat to brown evenly rather than stew or burn in the pan.
Your favourite beef casserole can be easily cooked in a slow cooker
Check the recipe booklet that came with your particular slow cooker, find a recipe that’s similar to how you like to cook your beef casserole and use it as a guide. The most important rule is that you ensure the food and/or liquid fills at least half to three quarters of the removable bowl that sits in the slow cooker.
The high and low settings on the slow cooker mean you have the option to cook dishes in around 4 to 5 hours (high) or the longer option of 8 to 10 hours (low). Little or no stirring is required when using the Low setting, however, stirring the casserole occasionally when using the high setting gives good flavour distribution.
Converting a regular recipe for the slow cooker
As a general guide 1 hour of simmering on the cooktop or in the oven equates to about 5-6 hours on low or 2-2.5 hours on high in a slow cooker.
Since there is little evaporation when cooking with a slow cooker, you may need to reduce the amount of liquid which may be called for in a regular recipe. Reduce the liquid by a cup or two. Flour or cornflour is often used to thicken dishes cooked in the slow cooker for the same reason.
Try these delicious beef dishes in your slow cooker
