I appreciate that a joint of beef doesn’t take long to cook the conventional way in an oven. However, I like the fact that I can leave it cooking all day if I want to, while I am doing other things.
Indeed I often put my beef in my slow cooker before breakfast on a Sunday morning for Sunday lunch. This means that I have a few hours to enjoy time with my family, before I need to return to the kitchen and get the vegetables cooked, and the slow cooker roast beef dished up.
Another great thing about cooking your beef in the slow cooker, is it also means that you can use cheaper cut of meat like brisket. This is because the slow cooker cooks it until it is tender and falling apart. Therefore, slow cooking your joint of beef is not only easy, but it can save you money too.
About This Recipe
This method for slow cooker roast beef is my own recipe. It is a method I have been using for many years for my family. As a result I wanted to share it, because Sunday dinner can take time to make and prepare, so by slow cooking the meat the slow cooker is doing to hard work for you. This means less time in the kitchen and less washing up – all of which are big pros for making slow cooker roast beef for me!
Now my family prefer their slow cooker roast beef cooked well done, so this recipe is based on that cooking method. However, if you wanted it rarer I would suggest you cook it for less time. I have also cooked this on the high setting of my slow cooker for the purpose of this post. Therefore, if you were to want to cook your beef all day, then make sure you use the lowest cooking setting on your slow cooker.
How to make Slow Cooker Roast Beef
I usually use a joint of beef that weighs approx 1.5kg . If you use smaller or larger piece of beef, then you will need to reduce/increase the cooking times accordingly.
INGREDIENTS FOR SLOW COOKER ROAST BEEF
METHOD FOR SLOW COOKER ROAST BEEF part 1:
- take a clean work surface or board, and cover it with the thyme, some salt and some black pepper
rub your joint of beef with a little oil all over
roll the beef in the seasoning mix to cover it, as best you can
heat a frying pan on the hob/stove and add a little olive oil and garlic (optional)
flash fry each side of the joint to brown it and seal the juices
METHOD FOR SLOW COOKER ROAST BEEF part 2:
- chop the onion into quarters and roughly slice the carrots and place at the bottom of your slow cooker
- transfer the joint into your slow cooker and sit on top of the veg
- mix the oxo cube with the boiling water and add to the slow cooker
- put the lid on and put on lowest setting and thats it – for me, to make well done beef, I tend to leave it cooking for 6 hours approx
- when its cooked to your liking remove the beef and leave to rest.
- Mash the onions and carrots into the sauce left in the slow cooker. Then strain it smooth and lump free (I keep the lumpy bits to add to my leftover beef to make a cottage pie with)
- If you like a lot of gravy then you will need to make some more using gravy granules/instant gravy to add to the slow cooked one.
- Slice your beef once it has rested
- Serve your slow cooker roast beef with your sides, and delicious gravy, and enjoy.
MY OTHER SLOW COOKER MEAT RECIPES
You might also like to read these slow cooker recipes which I make using my slow cooker:
For more tips on healthy ways to eat your food, check out this article.
Oooh that looks yummy. Never managed a decent beef joint in the slow cooker. thanks for linking up
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I bet you forgot to photograph it at the end as you were overcome by its pure deliciousness!! It is making me hungry right now! 🙂
Thanks for making Sunday fab today!
glad you liked it and thank you for trying it 🙂
I found this on google, and tried! was beautiful. will be using every time I cook beef now! thank you x
Wow this looks gorgeous, I am drooling, I shall definately be giving this a go, can I ask how Red was the meat after 6 hours ?
It wasnt at all as it was not a huge piece of brisket. You would need to cook for less it you prefer yours rarer x
That looks amazing! I’ve always been tempted to have a go at a roast, now I’m convinced. Thanks for taking part in Slow Cooker Sunday and hope to see you next week.
Yum! Will have to try this now I have a slow cooker.
Delicious
Ok not sure if this is a daft question here but is the meat brown all the way through oming out of the slow cooker ie well done? I dont like pink on my meats?
Hi if you cook it for the times stated it wont be pink. But all you need to do to check is stick a knife through and see what colour the juices are. if unsure cook a bit longer. it all depends on the size of the meat as to how long you cook it. check slow cooker times with regards to meat size on google maybe? but its totally worth doing in the slow cooker x
i used 2 oxo cubes in a pint of water, after 6 n half hours on low drizzled with oil n put in oven for 10 mins with silver foil placed ontop of it, turned n final 10mins, left to set n enjoyed with drained s/c juice! i shall use my s/c for beef from now on! it was best and easiest way i have cooked beef. try it!!!
I found this on google and I’m gonna do my christmas beef in the slow cooker. Your photo looks fab even before plating up. I think I wouldn’t remember either because I can almost smell it. Thanks.
i nevet cook beef as it has always been dry and so tough in the past so cant wait to get some beef and give it a go thanks for the tip x
I stumbled across your beef slow cooker recipe, tried it tonight and it was fantastic so thanks. I’ll bookmark your site and try some more of your slow cooker creations 🙂 James
Some recipes say you dont have to put water in at all but as I havnt used a slow cooker before I was unsure ?
So glad you enjoyed it. And thank you x
I hope you beef was good x
Thanks for giving it a go x
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I am cooking my first roast tomorrow n defo trying this, thanks been trying to find a nice easy way off cooking my brisket.
i love my slow cooker, i too cook a joint of beef in it, or lamb or pork, i normally thow it in with some golden syrup or honey or redcurrant sauce and leave it cooking on low for 8 hours, very easy and it tastes amazing!
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Hi this sounds so lush I’m going to do it today although it says to put it on for 6 hours but is that on the high setting or low setting on my slow cooker??
HI it really depends on how big your joint is and how you like eating it. my family like to eat it well done hence the time i state but if you take a look here this might help you Steve http://mediocremum.com/2012/11/slow-cooker-sunday-converting-conventional-recipes-to-use-in-a-slow-cooker/
good luck x
Thank you so much for this. Did this for Christmas dinner and was fabulous. Redeemed myself with the beef because my turkey was awful, overcooked and ruined,so will have to learn turkey cooking for next year!
Tried this today for my Sunday dinner. Was gorgeous! Thank you for sharing x
Gonna try this tomorrow
Have got a piece of gammon…….do you think this would work in the slow cooker too? Anyone else tried this?
i did a gammon joint & my family said it was fab 🙂
to slow-cook gammon try topping up with cider – and bay leaf.
or ginger beer and kumquats….
Am cooking this as I send this. Was very easy to follow and if the smell is anything to go on will taste wonderful. We like lots of gravy with our beef so have added an extra half pint of beef gravy granules! Thanks very much.
Oh wow, that does look delicious! And that gravy is amazing, I’m going to try this out the next time we have beef.
It is the BEST way to cook it x
Followed this recipe, custom sauce, including red wine, cooked for about 4.5 hours.
Didn’t have to cut, fell apart, very tender and marvellous flavour.
glad you liked it x
How big was your joint of beef please?
How much water do u put in ? Never ad much look with beef as always so dry so tryin your way x
HI Toni
I only add a small amount really so up to you i would say 250ml is enough but you can add a little more if you wish x
Im trying it today ! Wish me luck! Jx
Best beef ln slow cooker dash of red wine 7hours on low result not happy followed recipe to the letter roast next time billbandit?
Thanks for this, I am going to try this for dinner tomorrow as I have family coming over. I can’t wait to try it. I think I may add red wine as you suggested
Thanks again
Fab instructions … Worked a treat. Will definitely do my beef like this in the future … Yummy and tender! Thanks a lot x
i am so pleased – thanks for letting me know x
will try it tomorrow x
Definitely going to give this a go for my family on Friday … Nervous though!
Ooooh Jenny, that looks amazing. I love slow cooked meat.
I’m glad I found this. My cooker is broken and cooking Christmas dinner would have taken a million years in it. I was just wondering how much water do you put in?
hello – this is the best way to cook beef!! I only add about 1/2 pint of stock, but you could add a mix of red wine and water – this is what my mum does x
i have just done a joint of beef in my slow cooker my first time a trial run for christmas what did i do wrong beef was cooked but not tender i did it for 3hours on high put some water and carrots and onion in as well as mmeat good job i have not got anybody for dinner HELP what did i do wrong ANGELA
Hi maybe try cooking it for longer next time on lower setting? I hope that works xx
Hi, i am keen to try this for Christmas dinner this year, my joint of beef is 1.623kg, how long shall i cook this for on a low or medium setting and with how much stock?
Hi Beth,
I normally slow cook a piece of beef which is around 1.5-1.7kg and for this I cook for 4-6 hours on low – 6 for well done and 4-5 for medium. Then i simply add just 1/2 pint of beef stock – you can add some red wine also if you wish. Remember to sear the meat first as per my method to seal in the juices.
This guide with regards to slow cooker times is always handy http://mediocremum.com/2012/11/slow-cooker-sunday-converting-conventional-recipes-to-use-in-a-slow-cooker/
good luck xx
I’ve just enjoyed my Christmas dinner following your recipe for my beef joint and scrummy it was!! Plonk it in the slow cooker in the morning, in the afternoon hey presto no slaving and fretting over an oven
My beef has just gone into the slow cooker, after searing of course. It weighs 2.4 kg and is to serve eight.
We plan to eat about 4.00pm. i.e about 7 hours. Will that be long enough on the low setting?
I would rather not have it pink. Should I turn up the heat?
.
Hi Sarah,
I would suggest that you do turn your slow cooker to high because that is a large piece of meat. i normally cook a 1.6kg piece of 4-6 hours on low. i hope this helps and good luck x
Thanks. I turned it to high and left it in for an extra hour. It was a roaring success.
yay x
Trying my ‘slow cooker’ for the first time with a piece of beef. Does it need to be turned over halfway through cooking?
No there is no need Roy, i leave mine as it is. Good luck x
I turned my beef over half way through cooking. Won’t do any harm. I get knagged at by the missus “stop taking the lid off!!” Lol
Thank you – will do so!
Just tried this recipe and it was lovely. I used a large piece of beef and cooked on high for about 2 hours then on low for 3. The beef was so tender and just fell away when ready to carve. I also made the gravy and it was very tasty, I just added a bit of cornflour mix to thicken, oh and a splash or two of leftover Christmas port. Went down very well with the family. Thank you!! 🙂
i am so pleased it worked out so well for you x
Hi just wondered what weight of beef to buy fo make this. I too have two kids and one hubbie!!
Hi Alyson,
It depends if you want left overs as to what size you buy, but I would suggest that for a family of 4 with leftovers a 1.2kg piece would do the job. if it is just for the one meal then a 1kg size joint would be fine. But I am no expert this is just based on what my Mum said!!
i hope this helps.
Jenny – looks fab, thanks. one question. By searing the meat first, aren’t you preventing the juices from escaping and so are left with less gravy? I only ask because I’ve seen other recipes which rather to oven cooking at the end rather than searing at the beginning.
Hi Jonathan,
It is just how I have always done it and I now that by searing the meat it helps to keep the juices inside the beef which keeps it tender and juicy once cooked. You probably do not have to sear it first, but it is my preferred method
Has anyone done this overnight? Am wanting to serve for Sunday lunch, but don’t want to have to get up at the crack of dawn. What happens if it cooks for longer?
hi CAtherine,
I have cooked gammon over night and beef casseroles. I would say that on the lowest heat it would be ok but obviously more well done than under
Hi, I tried this recipe with 1.4kg of topside beef and I found the meat very dry. Tender but dry. I don’t know if this is because it’s topside as I usually buy silverside. Sometimes I find sealing the meat first tends to dry it out or maybe I need to do it for less time? I like my meat well done but not dry. On the plus the gravy was amazing! Has anyone any suggestions please? Thank you. Look forward to trying it again.
OMG best joint of beef ever! First time I’ve used a slow cooker – made this recipe and It was lovely! will try chicken recipe next. Thank you :0)
I have tried this before and all my friends like it. I used a can of oxtail soup instead of water – delicious! And the gravy was too!
Oooh that’s a good tip thank you x
I have been trying to cook a decent beef joint for around 30 years and never managed it, they always seem to be only good for resoling my shoes! Until I found your blog. This recipe is amazing, simple and oh so tasty, my family ask for beef every sunday now, thank you x
Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Now going to try ur method 🙂
I normally end up over cooking my beef joint and everyone disappointed,most of all me.
Will let you know the result… 🙂
Sounds heaven, I put a joint in with red wine, salt & pepper with a oxo. Meat almost like pulled beef. Do cook it for about 8 hours though. Hungry now
I found your recipe on google and have just made it. Amazing 🙂
Thank you for trying it and so pleased you enjoyed it x
This is the best roast beef recipe I’ve tasted. My family loved it. Excellent in the slowcooker. Step by step photos were great. Brilliant and thanks for sharing !
thank you so much for taking the time to let me know x
Hey, I am going to try this today. I have one question. Do I need to add the veg for the beef to sit on, or could I cook it without the veg?
Hello
You can cook without x
Thanks! That will save me a trip outdoors!
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Add a half cup of cold strong black coffee to your beef stock for a fuller richer flavour ))
I just done my Sunday dinner it’s the best I’ve cooked a joint of beef ever done it for 6 hours came out as you said thanks for that I will be cooking all my meat in my slow cooker from now on
The beef was amazing (moist and full of flavour) today after following your recipe, the gravy was lush too. Will definitely stick to cooking my beef this way.
Thank you for your lovely comment, i am so pleased it worked for you x
Cooked mine for 5 and a half hrs. Very tender and gravy was delish!! Might try 4 and a half next time.
Thankmyounso much, I found this on google and tried it. Meat was delicious and so tender. Will be doing this from now on
Looks amazing! Am going to try it tomorrow. Thanks for the recipe!
2nd week on the trot for this meal as it was so amazing last week!! Thanks for the info
Sound fab would u cook on high or low
high for 4-5 hours low for 7-8 x
Made this so many times, so easy and Tastes amazing! Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to comment x
Do you have to brown the beef before putting in the slow cooker or can you just put it straight in the slow cooker?
Hi Micheala, you do not have to brown the beef,I do it to seal in the juices. x
Sounds yummy……..let me try it this weekend!
Thanks for the lovely recipe.
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Completely over cooked. Awful.
Oh thank goodness I’ve found your website !! Just bought a crockpot and tried the roast beef recipe exactly as you wrote it. What a success !! I haven’t cooked roast beef for over a year because I could never get it to be tender enough. But your recipe has changed everything and roast beef is now back on the menu !! Thank you so much.
Oh Bridget thank you so much for your lovely comment. I always cook my beef like this, its so easy and makes it so tasty to eat too x
Going to try your recipe today many thanks
Cooked this for Sunday Lunch today – everyone loved it and kept asking me how much longer they had to wait as they could smell it cooking!! Gravy was fab using the juices and I added a glug of red wine for a little something extra. Forgot how fab a slow cooker is – I think I’ll keep it out ready for next week. Thank you. Will definitely look at your other recipes for further inspiration.
Thank you Karen for letting me know how you got on making this. It is the only way I ever cook my roast beef now. x
Just inherited slow cooker great easy instructions will try on sunday
Thank you so much for this recipe I like many of the others have never managed a decent roast and this is perfect!! The meat is so moist and tender. I use it on a regular basis and wanted to say thank you. It gives you time to get on with things and I use the leftovers for a cottage pie. Much appreciated
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely comment x
Am trying your recipe for the first time today looks amazing cannot wait to try it!
Hi Sue, I hope it went well for you? x
Hi, am planning on trying this out at the weekend for friends. Keeping to your recipe but prefer beef to be medium to well. How many hours would you say for a low setting?
Hi Mrs D I am so sorry for the late reply. I am just going thorough all my comments this evening and came across yours. This link might help you work out the timings x http://mediocremum.com/2012/11/slow-cooker-sunday-converting-conventional-recipes-to-use-in-a-slow-cooker/
Jacqui 11/8/18
I have used this method and recipe for cooking my beef a few times now and shall be using it tomorrow for my Sunday roast for when my family arrives for Sunday lunch myself and the family love it .
Thanks for sharing your lovely recipe .
Lovely! How long do you leave to rest?
about 20-30 mins x
I used this recipe Christmas Day, excellent. Thank you.
Looks tasty and easy to cook. Try this tomorrow !
It’s been quite a few years since I’ve used a slow cooker and am cooking a joint tomorrow. After trawling the net for a decent recipe I’ve stumbled across yours. This seems to be the best one so will use it for my beef. Will let you know how I get on. Thank you.
Can we see you recipe to how you use your left over beef for a cottage pie please? Thank you so much!
Does the beef taste like roast beef or more like casseroled beef
Hi it tastes like roast beef , very tasty and so nice x
Just had the best beef roast (my favourite) meal of all time thanks for your tip of how to do it in my slow cooker must admit I was dreading getting red or pink inside beef but it was done to perfection absolutely delicious can’t wait to tryout more of your recipes yummy