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Slow Cooker Roast Beef (With Gravy)

A proper British Sunday roast is a cherished tradition, but in today’s busy world, preparing a feast can often feel like an overwhelming task. Enter the slow cooker: a culinary saviour that allows you to achieve tender, juicy roast beef with sumptuous gravy, all while you go about your day. This effortless cooking method not only enriches the flavours but also transforms tougher cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth wonders.

Ingredients

To serve a hearty meal for the family, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) of beef joint—preferably brisket or silverside
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2-3 sprigs of rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 500 ml (2 cups) of beef stock
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water (for thickening the gravy)

Method

1. Prepare the Beef: Begin by patting the beef joint dry with kitchen paper, which will help achieve that desirable sear. Season it generously with salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the Meat: In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef joint and sear all sides until browned—this step intensifies the flavour of the final dish. It should take about 3-4 minutes per side.

3. Layer the Aromatics: In the slow cooker, place the sliced onions, minced garlic, and chopped carrots. These vegetables will not only add flavour but will also serve as a base to elevate the beef joint above the liquid, allowing for better cooking.

4. Add the Seasonings: Place the seared beef on top of the vegetables. Scatter the thyme and rosemary over the meat, then pour in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce. The liquid should come about halfway up the beef joint—adjust as necessary.

5. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Cooking low and slow allows the collagen in the meat to break down, creating a tender roast that practically falls apart at the touch of a fork.

6. Thicken the Gravy: Once the beef is fully cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and cover it with foil to keep warm. Strain the liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the cornflour mixture, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens and reaches your desired consistency.

7. Serve: Slice the beef against the grain and serve it with the rich gravy poured over the top. Accompany it with traditional sides such as roasted potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and seasonal vegetables for the ultimate British feast.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Roast Beef

• Choose the Right Cut: Cuts like brisket, silverside, or chuck are ideal for slow cooking as they become tender with long cooking times.
• Maintain Moisture: Keep the lid on as much as possible during cooking to retain moisture and flavour.
• Leftovers Galore: Don’t be afraid of leftovers—they make fantastic sandwiches or can be used in stews and pasta dishes throughout the week.

With minimal effort and a few quality ingredients, this Slow Cooker Roast Beef with Gravy will become a family favourite, perfect for any day of the week. So, put your slow cooker to work and let it bring comforting, classic British flavours straight to your table. Enjoy!

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