Introduction
Prepare to indulge in a hearty and flavorful beef dish that is perfect for a cozy gathering or a family dinner. This slow-cooked beef chuck roast, seasoned with a delightful blend of spices and topped with your favorite garnishes, combines simplicity with richness in taste. Packed with the warmth of green chiles and fire-roasted tomatoes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1–2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, fat trimmed, cut into 3-inch cubes
2 1/2 teaspoons salt (1 teaspoon per pound of meat, more to taste)
1 yellow onion, finely diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cumin
1/4 cup chili powder
Two 4.5-ounce cans green chiles
One 14-ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes on high or 8 hours 20 minutes on low
Yield: Serves approximately 6-8 people
Instructions
1. Preparation: Chop and measure all ingredients.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Toss beef chunks with salt. Add beef to the pot and cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until browned. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add onions and garlic (add more oil if needed); sauté until golden and softened, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
4. Add Spices: Stir in brown sugar, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add Tomatoes and Chiles: Add green chiles and crushed tomatoes; simmer for 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
6. Combine and Cook: Pour the tomato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker; gently stir to combine. Cook on high for approximately 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
7. Shred and Serve: Shred the beef into large tender chunks directly in the slow cooker. Season with additional salt to taste. Serve with desired toppings such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cornbread.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preparation
Chop and measure all ingredients in advance for smooth cooking.
Brown the Beef
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of avocado or vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Toss the 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of beef chuck roast with 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until browned. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Add more oil if needed, and sauté until the onion is golden and softened, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add Spices
Stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 1/4 cup of chili powder. Sauté the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Chiles
Add two 4.5-ounce cans of green chiles and one 14-ounce can of crushed fire-roasted tomatoes to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
Combine and Cook
Pour the tomato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine all ingredients. Cook on high for approximately 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
Shred and Serve
Once the cooking time is complete, shred the beef into large tender chunks directly in the slow cooker. Season with additional salt to taste. Serve with desired toppings such as green onions, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and cornbread or chips.
Notes
Cooking Time
Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker and personal preferences for meat tenderness.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer shelf life.
Topping Variations
Feel free to get creative with toppings. Other options could include diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado.
Cook techniques
Preparation
Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat, season the beef with salt, and sear until browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Sauté Onions and Garlic
After browning the beef, use the same pot to sauté onions and garlic until golden and softened, scraping the browned bits to incorporate more flavor into the dish.
Add Spices
Incorporate brown sugar, cumin, and chili powder into the sautéed onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant to develop the depth of flavor.
Add Tomatoes and Chiles
Combine the green chiles and crushed fire-roasted tomatoes in the pot, allowing the mixture to simmer until bubbly for better integration of the ingredients.
Combine and Cook
Transfer the tomato mixture over the browned beef in the slow cooker, stirring gently. Cook on high or low until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
Shred and Serve
Once cooked, shred the beef in the slow cooker, adjusting seasoning to taste. Serve with desired toppings for added flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, other cuts like brisket or round roast can be used, but they may yield different textures and flavors.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
Is it possible to cook this recipe faster?
Using a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker can significantly reduce cooking time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the beef with sturdy vegetables or legumes for a vegetarian option.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe?
Consider serving with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.
Conclusion
This savory beef chuck roast dish, slow-cooked to perfection, offers a delightful combination of flavors, thanks to the robust spices and the richness of ingredients like green chiles and fire-roasted tomatoes. Top it off with fresh green onions, sour cream, and cheddar cheese for an enticing meal that is sure to please at any gathering.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Beef Tacos
Use the shredded beef from this recipe as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos. Top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Chili Beef Burritos
Wrap the shredded beef in flour tortillas with your choice of toppings, such as rice, beans, and avocado for hearty burritos.
Beef Enchiladas
Fill corn tortillas with the shredded beef, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Top with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
BBQ Beef Sliders
Mix the shredded beef with barbecue sauce, then serve on slider buns with pickles and coleslaw for a fun twist.
Beef Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with shredded beef, cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite nacho toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Combine the shredded beef with cooked rice and spices to stuff bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender.
Beef and Vegetable Soup
Use the shredded beef as a base for a hearty soup, adding seasonal vegetables and broth for a comforting dish perfect for chilly days.
