Sweet-Sour Beef Recipe π₯©π π₯
Overview:
Sweet-Sour Beef is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, creating a tender and mouthwatering stew that’s ideal for any weeknight dinner. Inspired by the flavors of home cooking, this recipe is a classic favorite, bringing together juicy boneless round steak, tangy tomato sauce, crisp carrots, and vibrant green peppers, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The addition of molasses, vinegar, and spices adds depth and complexity to the sauce, while serving it over shell macaroni provides a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Calories per Serving: 301.1
- Rating: βββββ (1 review)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Boneless round steak |
| 2 | Tomato sauce |
| 2 | Carrots |
| 2 | Green pepper |
| 2 | Molasses |
| 1 | Vinegar |
| 1/2 | Sugar |
| 1/3 | Chili powder |
| 1/4 | Paprika |
| 2 | Salt |
| 2 | Shell macaroni |
Instructions:
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Brown the Steak: In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the boneless round steak and brown it on both sides until nicely seared, creating a flavorful crust. Once browned, transfer the steak to a slow cooker, ensuring to scrape any flavorful bits from the skillet.
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Prepare the Sauce: To the slow cooker with the steak, add the tomato sauce, carrots, green pepper, molasses, vinegar, sugar, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cooker.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat. Allow the Sweet-Sour Beef to simmer gently for 7-8 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and practically melts in your mouth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic stew.
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Thicken (Optional): If desired, you can thicken the sauce to your preference. Simply remove a small portion of the liquid from the slow cooker and whisk in a cornstarch slurry until smooth. Return the mixture to the slow cooker and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired thickness.
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Serve: Once the Sweet-Sour Beef is ready, it’s time to serve up this delectable dish. For a classic presentation, spoon the tender beef and vegetables over cooked shell macaroni, allowing the savory sauce to coat each piece. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips:
- For an extra burst of freshness and color, consider adding some diced pineapple or bell peppers to the stew during the last hour of cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce without the need for additional thickening agents, you can reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly or cook the stew uncovered during the final hour of cooking.
- Leftovers of this Sweet-Sour Beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to develop even further over time. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Enjoy Your Sweet-Sour Beef!
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Sweet-Sour Beef stew, where tender meat meets tangy sauce and crisp vegetables for a truly satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight at home or served up for a special gathering with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. Bon appΓ©tit! π½οΈβ¨
