Ready in: 8 hours · Serves: 6-8 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
For a delightful Sweet and Sour Beef, simply combine seasoned beef chuck with sautéed vegetables and a tangy sauce in a crockpot, then let it slow cook until tender and flavorful.
As the crisp autumn air sweeps through New York City, there’s something so comforting about the thought of coming home to a heartwarming dish gently bubbling away in the slow cooker. With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, I can’t help but dream of meals that bring a cozy embrace, like this Sweet and Sour Beef. The tangy, sweet, and savory combination of flavors paired with tender beef is perfect for those festive nights when you want to impress family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen.
A Delicious Autumn Comfort Food
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and heartwarming, perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
- A delicious blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Minimal prep time with a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy your evening.
- Perfect for entertaining family and friends during the holiday season.
- Easy leftovers for fantastic sandwiches the next day!
Ingredients
This Sweet and Sour Beef recipe requires a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients:
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 cup of pineapple chunks (canned in juice, drain and reserve the juice)
Flavoring Ingredients
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup of soy sauce
- 1/2 cup of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Sweet and Sour Beef (Step-by-Step)
This Sweet and Sour Beef recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Follow these steps to create a comforting dish that will impress your loved ones.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cutting it into uniform 1-inch pieces. This will ensure even cooking and tenderness. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel, then season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the meaty flavor that will develop during slow cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of cooking oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until softened for about 5 minutes. This creates a superb flavor base for the meat.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the seasoned beef to the crockpot. Add the sautéed aromatics along with the drained pineapple chunks. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and reserved pineapple juice until combined. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring gently to coat everything in that glorious sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. As the beef cooks slowly, it will become incredibly tender and soak up the vibrant flavors. It’s ready when the meat is fork-tender and the sauce is thick and sticky.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and let it cook uncovered for the last half hour. The sauce will thicken beautifully, creating a glossy finish that makes your sweet and sour beef irresistible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using tough cuts of meat: Stick to beef chuck roast, as other cuts may not become tender in a slow cooker setting.
- Skipping the sauté step: This is essential for building depth of flavor. Don’t rush it!
- Not checking the sauce consistency: If it’s too thin at the end of cooking, be sure to add your cornstarch slurry properly to thicken.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a bit of heat, consider adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to throw in other vegetables, like snap peas or carrots, for extra nutrition and color.
- Leftovers make for fantastic sandwiches the next day!
Variations
- Substitute beef with chicken for a lighter version.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Add cashews or peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
How to Serve
- Serve over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice.
- Pair with crunchy stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator for an easy assembly in the morning.
- Storage: This sweet and sour beef keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
This recipe taught me the importance of balancing flavors—sweetness from the brown sugar with the tang of soy sauce creates a harmony that is both comfortingly familiar and delightfully complex. Plus, the slow cooker is truly a kitchen hero, allowing for minimal fuss while delivering maximum flavor—perfect for busy holiday seasons!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 40g carbs · 10g fat
Delicious Sweet and Sour Beef
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into uniform 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat cooking oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add diced onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened.
- Transfer beef to the crockpot. Add sautéed vegetables and pineapple. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and reserved pineapple juice; pour over ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cover and slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, stir into the crockpot, and cook uncovered until sauce thickens, about 30 minutes.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While beef chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness, you can use other cuts like brisket or round. However, these may not yield the same level of tenderness in a slow cooker.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your sweet and sour beef, consider incorporating a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or slices of fresh jalapeños into the sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet and sour beef the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the crockpot or on the stovetop before serving.
4. What can I serve with sweet and sour beef?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even on its own as a filling sandwich.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
