Slow Cooker Beef Joint Recipe
This Slow Cooker Beef Joint recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, delivering tender, juicy meat every time. With a rich, homemade gravy and hearty vegetables, it’s a comforting meal ideal for family dinners. The slow cooker ensures the beef is perfectly cooked while you go about your day. Customize it with gluten-free options for a crowd-pleasing dish everyone can enjoy. Serve it with your favorite sides for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Plain flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF version)
1 tbsp Dried or fresh thyme
1 tbsp Garlic granules
1.5 kg Beef topside joint
1 tbsp Olive oil
3 Garlic cloves, peeled and chopped/crushed
2 Onions, peeled and quartered
3 Carrots, peeled and quartered
400 ml Hot beef stock (see notes)
3 tbsp Cornflour (for the gravy)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Combine the plain flour, thyme, garlic granules, salt, and pepper on a chopping board.
Pat the beef topside dry with kitchen paper and roll it in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
2. Brown the Meat:
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat (or use your slow cooker dish if it’s stovetop-safe).
Sear the beef on all sides until golden brown, then set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Add garlic, onions, and carrots to the pan. Cook for 5–10 minutes until slightly softened.
Transfer everything, including the beef, into the slow cooker. Pour in the hot beef stock.
4. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover with the lid and cook:
HIGH: 5–6 hours
LOW: 7–8 hours
Once cooked, transfer the beef to a serving dish and reserve the cooking liquid.
5. Make the Gravy:
In a small bowl, mix cornflour with a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid to form a smooth paste.
Combine the paste with the remaining liquid:
In the slow cooker: Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 minutes.
On the hob: Simmer in a saucepan for 5–10 minutes, whisking continuously, until thickened.
6. Serve:
Slice the beef, drizzle with the gravy, and serve alongside the cooked vegetables.
Alternative Method (Without a Slow Cooker)
Follow the recipe until step 3.
Place browned beef, softened vegetables, and stock in a lidded casserole dish. Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 2.5–3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Follow step 5 to make the gravy.
Notes for Success:
Stock Tip: Use a beef stock cube or pot for a rich, flavorful base.
Dry the Beef: Pat the meat thoroughly dry for better browning.
Seal the Meat: While optional in many recipes, browning the beef for this dish enhances its flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap plain flour for gluten-free alternatives, like cornflour.
Gravy Storage: Freeze leftover gravy in flat freezer bags to save space.
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