Bring your BBQ Indoors: Easy Peasy CrockPot Beef

Once upon a time, I stopped eating red meat…and, once upon a time, I was clearly a dummy because lean beef is absolutely delicious. I'm pretty picky when it comes to food, and I really hate any fatty cuts of meat. When I was younger, I wouldn't touch steak unless my mom trimmed off all the fat for me — talk about diva status! I love a good steak, but I can never prepare it like my dad does, so I prefer to play it safe and stick with lean ground beef or beef stew tips. In my opinion, it's easier to cook, has less fat and is definitely more cost-efficient!

It's no secret that I'm mildly incredibly obsessed with my CrockPot. I can't stress enough how easy it makes my meal prep, not to mention everything is always cooked to perfection. When I use my George Foreman grill or bake meat in the oven, the final result is never that great and normally comes out too dry. Cooking things in the CrockPot takes no effort and definitely amps up the flavor.

Last year, I slow-cooked a brisket in the CrockPot for an indoor barbecue dinner with some friends, and it turned out amazing. I wanted to recreate the recipe, but the only problem was it makes a TON of food. Don't get me wrong — this fun-sized girl loves to eat — but fixing an entire brisket for one person is a little ambitious. I wouldn't be able to finish eating it before it went bad, and I hate throwing away or wasting food. So, on a quest to replicate my indoor barbecue masterpiece, I improvised using beef stew tips and one key ingredient: liquid smoke. Not to toot my own horn, but check out the end result from the easiest recipe ever:

Meat for the meathead...

Easy Peasy CrockPot Beef

What you need:

• 1 lb. lean beef stew meat (I bought mine at Trader Joe's; it only has 4g fat per 4 oz. serving!)
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth (You might need to add another 1/4 cup or so)
• 3T cup liquid smoke (I used the mesquite flavor.)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or less)
• Black pepper to taste
• Garlic powder to taste
• Onion powder to taste

Directions:

1. Spray the CrockPot with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Add all of the liquid, then add the meat. (Note: You might need to add more beef broth…You don't want to drown the meat, but I make sure it's mostly covered so it doesn't burn on the bottom or dry out.)
3. Add the spices and stir everything together.
4. Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 4.5 to 5 hours. I like my meat with just a littttle bit of pink in the middle, so if don't want it that well done, cook for less time.
5. Serve with any sides of your choice, and enjoy!

The liquid smoke adds a great smokey flavor (duh), and the meat gets SO tender to the point where it just falls apart. The taste is incredible and, if you can't host a full-blown barbecue with a meat smoker, this is definitely a legit alternative! (Side note: if you're looking for another CrockPot dinner, this buffalo chicken is my favorite!)

Stay sweet [sweat] and sassy,

Kat