#slowcookedbeef

A tasty beef and noodles dish that is cooked slowly in a crockpot and is great for a hearty dinner on a cold day.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat. 1 onion, diced. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 2 cups beef broth. 1 cup red wine. 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. 1 tsp dried thyme. 1 tsp dried rosemary. Salt and pepper to taste. 12 oz egg noodles. 2 tbsp cornstarch. 2 tbsp water. Chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions: In a slow cooker, combine beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, red wine, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the egg noodles. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 480 minutes

A hearty and comforting beef stew cooked low and slow in the slow cooker.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed. 4 potatoes, diced. 4 carrots, sliced. 1 onion, chopped. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 2 cups beef broth. 1 can diced tomatoes. 1 teaspoon dried thyme. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: Place beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker. Pour beef broth and diced tomatoes over the ingredients. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 240 minutes

A hearty beef stew that is cooked slowly in a crock pot until the meat is soft and the flavors blend.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed. 4 potatoes, diced. 3 carrots, sliced. 1 onion, chopped. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 4 cups beef broth. 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes. 1 teaspoon dried thyme. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Salt and pepper to taste. 2 tablespoons cornstarch optional, for thickening.

Instructions: Place beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 480 minutes

This hearty and comforting beef stew is cooked slowly in a crockpot, making the meat and vegetables tender and flavorful.

Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed. 4 potatoes, peeled and diced. 4 carrots, sliced. 1 onion, diced. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 4 cups beef broth. 1/4 cup tomato paste. 1 teaspoon dried thyme. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions: In a slow cooker, combine beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. In a separate bowl, mix together beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 240 minutes

Consome tacos, often associated with birria tacos, are a culinary delight that combines rich, slow-cooked meat with a deep, aromatic broth. Originating from Mexico, this dish has gained popularity worldwide for its incredible flavor and unique way of serving—dipping the crispy tacos into a flavorful consommé. This guide will walk you through the process of making these delicious tacos while providing insights into the cultural significance and cooking techniques that make them stand out.

Understanding Consommé Tacos

Consommé tacos are made by slow-cooking beef with a blend of spices and seasonings, creating a rich, deeply flavored broth. The consommé, which is the cooking liquid, is then served as a dipping sauce alongside crispy, cheese-filled tacos. This technique enhances the experience, making each bite a juicy, savory delight.

The Importance of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking plays a crucial role in developing the flavors of consommé tacos. By allowing the beef to simmer for several hours, the connective tissues break down, making the meat tender and infusing the broth with rich umami flavors. This process results in a well-balanced dish with layers of taste that unfold with every bite.

Ingredients Needed

For the Beef and Consommé:

2-3 lbs. chuck roast

1 tbsp canola oil

2 dried ancho chili pods

5 cups chicken stock

1 tsp reduced sodium beef base

4 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

2 orange peels

5 bay leaves

2 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp marjoram

1 tsp dried oregano

1 large onion, chopped

4 large garlic cloves, chopped

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp white vinegar

2 chipotle peppers

For the Tacos:

Corn tortillas

Shredded cheese

Step-by-Step Preparation

Sear the Meat: In a large pot, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast with salt and sear it on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms. This step helps lock in the juices and enhances the beef's flavor.

Prepare the Sauce: Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

Build the Broth: Add the dried ancho chili pods, chipotle peppers, chicken stock, water, and reduced sodium beef base. Then, toss in the cinnamon stick, orange peels, bay leaves, marjoram, and oregano. These ingredients create a robust and aromatic broth that forms the base of the consommé.

Simmer Slowly: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 3-5 hours, or until the beef becomes fork-tender. This slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into small pieces.

Strain the Consommé: Remove the cinnamon stick, orange peels, and bay leaves from the broth. Blend the liquid until smooth, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve to achieve a silky texture. This consommé will be used for dipping the tacos.

Prepare the Tacos: Heat a pan over medium heat. Dip the corn tortillas into the consommé and place them on the pan. Add shredded beef and cheese, then fold the tortillas in half. Cook each side until crispy and golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate the tacos alongside a bowl of warm consommé. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Dip the tacos into the consommé before each bite for the ultimate experience.

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The combination of smoky ancho chilies, warm cinnamon, and tangy orange peels creates a well-rounded taste.

Perfectly Tender Beef: Slow cooking ensures the meat is juicy and flavorful.

Crispy yet Juicy Tacos: The dipping process adds a rich, savory touch to the crunchy tacos.

Consommé tacos are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. By following this guide, you’ll not only create a delicious dish but also gain a deeper appreciation for traditional Mexican cooking techniques. Enjoy your homemade consommé tacos!