This slow cooker Amish buttermilk beef is the kind of hearty supper that feels extra comforting on a busy day. The buttermilk helps gently tenderize the beef as it cooks low and slow, creating a rich, savory roast with very little hands-on work. It is a simple, old-fashioned style of meal that fits right into a family table, especially when you want something dependable, filling, and worthy of seconds.
Serve this tender beef with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice to catch the flavorful juices. For vegetables, green beans, glazed carrots, or simple corn make wonderful side dishes, and a basket of warm dinner rolls rounds everything out nicely for a cozy meal.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Buttermilk Beef
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 beef heel roast, about 3 to 4 pounds
2 cups fresh buttermilk
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Place the beef heel roast into the slow cooker.
2. Pour the fresh buttermilk over the roast, then sprinkle the onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the beef is very tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
4. Shred or slice the beef, spoon some of the cooking juices over the top, and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For extra gravy: If you like more sauce for potatoes or noodles, remove the cooked beef and whisk 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker juices. Cover and cook on high for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
For picky eaters: Slice the beef instead of shredding it for a neater presentation, and serve the juices on the side. That way everyone can add as much or as little of the flavorful sauce as they like.
Add a vegetable: Baby carrots or halved small potatoes can go right into the slow cooker around the roast during the last few hours if you want a fuller one-pot meal. Keep the pieces fairly large so they hold their shape.
Make it milder: If your onion soup mix is especially salty or bold, use only part of the packet and let the buttermilk and beef flavor shine through. You can always taste the juices at the end and add a little more seasoning if needed.
Best cut tip: A beef heel roast works beautifully for long cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful over time. If you cannot find one, a chuck roast is the easiest substitute and will give you a similar comforting result.