This slow cooker Amish-inspired radish beef is the kind of practical dinner that fits right into a busy weeknight, because it asks for very little prep and turns a simple roast into something cozy and satisfying by dinnertime. The radishes mellow as they cook, becoming tender and subtly sweet, and the whole meal has that hearty, old-fashioned feel that makes it especially appealing when you want comfort food without a lot of fuss.
Serve this beef with buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or a piece of crusty bread to catch the savory juices. A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots round it out nicely, and if you want to lean into the homey flavor of the dish, a spoonful of applesauce or pickled beets on the side makes a great pairing.
Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Amish Radish Beef
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 beef sierra roast, about 3 to 4 pounds
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired. Place the beef sierra roast in the center of the slow cooker, then scatter the halved radishes and sliced onion around it.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix until combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork and the radishes are soft.
4. Transfer the beef to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice or shred the beef, then return it to the slow cooker juices or arrange it on a platter with the radishes and onions spooned over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
Add garlic: If you want a little more depth, add 3 minced garlic cloves with the onions. It gives the broth a richer savory flavor without changing the easy feel of the recipe.
Make it a full meal: Baby carrots or chunks of peeled potatoes can be added around the roast along with the radishes. If your slow cooker runs full, keep the vegetables in a single layer as much as possible so everything cooks evenly.
Thicken the juices: For more of a gravy finish, remove 1 cup of the cooking liquid at the end and whisk it in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water. Simmer until thickened, then spoon it back over the beef.
Prep-ahead tip: On a busy morning, slice the onion and halve the radishes the night before, then refrigerate them in separate containers. That way, all you need to do is assemble and start the slow cooker before heading out the door.
Best cut note: Sierra roast becomes wonderfully tender when cooked low and slow, but chuck roast also works well if that is what you can find. Whichever cut you use, make sure it has some marbling so the finished beef stays juicy.
