Slow Cooker Grillades deliver tender, rich flavors with minimal prep, making them an ideal choice for a comforting, hassle-free dinner. This classic Southern dish transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal with its slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth texture and hearty, savory gravy. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings soul-warming satisfaction to your table with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
- Rich, comforting flavors: The slow simmering creates a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible.
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat: Perfectly cooked grillades become soft enough to cut with a fork.
- Versatile meal option: This dish pairs beautifully with a range of sides, making it ideal for any occasion.
- Great for meal prepping: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes well for busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping ingredients simple yet flavorful is key to the success of Slow Cooker Grillades. Each component plays an important role—from the tender cuts of meat to the bold spices and fresh aromatics—that together create the comforting character of the dish.
- Beef round steaks or chuck: Choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness and rich flavor.
- Onion and bell peppers: These bring sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the savory sauce.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth that enhances every bite.
- Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes: Build the hearty, tangy base of the gravy.
- Beef broth: Provides richness and depth for the sauce to develop during slow cooking.
- Worcestershire sauce: Offers a subtle umami boost for complexity.
- Creole seasoning: The perfect blend of spices for authentic Southern heat and flavor.
- Flour or cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy into a luscious finish.
- Fresh thyme and bay leaves: Infuse gentle herbal notes during cooking.
Variations for Slow Cooker Grillades
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own based on your pantry and preferences. You can easily swap ingredients or tweak the seasoning to suit dietary needs or flavor cravings.
- Protein swaps: Substitute with pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different twist on the classic.
- Spice level variation: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat, or keep it mild for family-friendly meals.
- Vegetable additions: Mix in mushrooms or okra for added texture and earthy flavors.
- Gluten-free option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy, keeping it safe for gluten sensitivities.
- Richness enhancer: Stir in a splash of cream or a pat of butter at the end for a silkier sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Grillades
Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables
Start by trimming excess fat from your beef, then cut the steaks into smaller medallions. Season them with Creole seasoning. Chop onions, bell peppers, and garlic finely to build layered flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a hot skillet, quickly sear the beef medallions on both sides until browned. This step develops extra flavor and a beautiful crust that deepens the taste of the finished dish.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned meat and sautéed veggies to the slow cooker. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow simmer allows the meat to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce, cooking uncovered until it reaches the desired consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Grillades
- Choose the right cut: Opt for cuts with a bit of fat for natural tenderness and flavor during slow cooking.
- Don’t skip browning: Searing the meat adds layers of flavor you won’t get from just slow cooking alone.
- Layer your seasonings: Sprinkle seasonings at multiple stages for a more nuanced taste.
- Low and slow wins: Cooking on low heat gently breaks down collagen for that melt-away texture.
- Adjust thickness carefully: Add your thickener gradually to avoid an overly gloopy sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Grillades
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or green onions add a burst of color and bright, herbal freshness that complements the rich gravy perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve Slow Cooker Grillades over creamy grits, fluffy white rice, or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce. Collard greens or sautéed green beans make bright, healthy sides that balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the grillades spooned over toasted French bread for an open-faced sandwich with crispy edges. For a party, mini puff pastry shells filled with slow cooker grillades create irresistible appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Slow Cooker Grillades cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even further as they rest.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove to maintain tenderness, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth can help refresh the sauce and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for Slow Cooker Grillades?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, pork shoulder or chicken thighs can be used with great results, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before slow cooking?
Browning is not mandatory but highly recommended because it adds a deeper, caramelized flavor that elevates the overall dish.
How spicy is Slow Cooker Grillades?
The spice level depends on the amount and type of Creole seasoning used; you can easily customize it from mild to hot by adjusting spices.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Grillades?
Traditional sides include creamy grits, rice, or mashed potatoes, plus sautéed greens or fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I make Slow Cooker Grillades vegetarian?
You can swap beef broth for vegetable broth and use hearty mushrooms or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Grillades are a true comfort food treasure that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. With simple ingredients and an easy, slow-cooked process, this dish offers a delicious way to enjoy rich Southern flavors without stress. Give it a try and discover your new favorite easy, hearty meal!
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Slow Cooker Grillades
Slow Cooker Grillades is a classic Southern comfort dish featuring tender beef medallions simmered slowly in a rich, savory Creole-flavored gravy. This easy, hands-off recipe requires minimal prep and combines simple ingredients like beef, aromatic vegetables, spices, and tomato-based broth to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, hearty flavors. Perfect for meal prepping or a satisfying weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with grits, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds beef round steaks or chuck, trimmed and cut into medallions
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Thickening Agents
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for gluten-free option)
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water (to make slurry)
Optional Add-ins
- Cayenne pepper or hot sauce, to taste (for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup cream or 1 tablespoon butter, stirred in at the end for richness
- Mushrooms or okra, chopped (for vegetable variation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: Trim excess fat from beef and cut the steaks into smaller medallions. Season all pieces evenly with Creole seasoning. Finely chop onion, bell pepper, and garlic to build layers of flavor.
- Brown the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef medallions on both sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds depth and a delicious crust to the meat.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meat and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Slow simmering will render the meat tender and blend the flavors beautifully.
- Thicken the Gravy: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for the remaining time until the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency.
Notes
- Choose cuts with a bit of fat like chuck or round steaks for natural tenderness and flavor during cooking.
- Don’t skip browning the meat—this step adds crucial caramelized flavor.
- Season meat at multiple stages for deeper, nuanced taste.
- Cook low and slow to break down collagen and achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add thickener gradually to avoid an overly gloopy sauce.
- Optional: Add cream or butter at the end for a richer, silkier gravy.
- Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of beef broth to keep meat tender and sauce moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg