Sunday, January 29, 2012

Mom's Italian Slow Roasted Beef

Do you have a dish that within one bite you are taken to another place? I love dishes that remind you of a great trip, a favorite restaurant, or a childhood memory. This beef recipe make me feel at home. It reminds me of all the amazing family dinner we had around our kitchen table that were lovingly made by my mom. 

You'll notice how flavorful it is right away. The Italian dressing packets essentially becoming like the dressing when added to the water and fats from the beef. Its the type of meat that literally melts in your mouth!

Ingredients

  • 2-3lbs tri-tip beef
  • 2-3 packets of Italian dressing mix
  • 1 medium size white or sweet onion - roughly sliced
  • 1/2 bottle pepperoncinis
  • 1/2-3/4 cup water or chicken stock
  • salt, pepper to taste
Directions

Set a slow cooker on low (will cook in about 6-7 hours), and bring meat to room temperature.

Prep the beef by cutting in to large chunks and seasoning with salt and pepper on both sides. 

Sear (brown) the meat on all sides in a hot skillet with a little olive oil. This should take about 5 minutes. 
Once all the pieces are browned add to crock pot with enough water/stock to come halfway up the meat. For the meat above it took 1/2 cup water. Sprinkle the seasoning packets on the top. For six pieces I used 2.5 packets. 

Cook for 4-5 hours, flipping the pieces of meat a few times to cook thoroughly. Add onion and pepperoncinis and allow to simmer for the last 1-2 hours of cooking. When the meat begins to fall apart use fork to continue helping shred, you can also remove the pieces to fully shred and return to the pot to soak up the liquid. 
Serve! 

I have been putting them on whole wheat slider buns with a thin slice on manchego cheese and peppers. The meat is also wonderful for tacos, salads, enchiladas, over rice, in soup- or just plain.

Enjoy my taste of home!

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