Place the chopped onion, carrot and thyme sprigs into the slow cooker basin.
1 Onion, 1 Carrot, 2 Thyme Sprigs
Sprinkle over the plain flour and give it a mix.
2 tablespoon Plain Flour
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan and sear the beef joint on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker basin on top of the vegetables.
1 tablespoon Olive Oil, 1.5 kg Topside of Beef
Mix together the beef stock, wine, tomato ketchup and salt and pepper in a jug and pour it over the beef. Don't worry if the liquid doesn't quite fully cover the joint. Cook on low for 5-8 hours (if you like your beef rare 5 hours, well done 8 hours) or high for 3-6 hours.
500 ml Beef Stock, 150 ml Red Wine, 2 tablespoon Tomato Ketchup, Salt and Pepper
Lift the beef joint out of the slow cooker onto a plate and cover with foil for up to 30 minutes whilst you finish the gravy.
Strain the gravy through a sieve on top of a saucepan (which will catch the carrot, onion and thyme sprigs). Place the saucepan on a medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes. If you like your gravy thick, whisk in the beef gravy granules, or make a cornflour slurry to whisk in ( 1:1 ratio of cornstarch to gravy works best).
2 tablespoon Beef Gravy Granules
Slice the beef and serve with the red wine gravy.
Notes
Top Tips:
Don't skip searing the beef. Searing it triggers the Maillard reaction and ensures all that meaty flavour is locked in!
Make sure your beef joint is at room temperature before starting the recipe.
The best way to check your beef is cooked to your liking is to check the temperature with a digital meat themometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the joint and check the temperature against these guidelines (don't forget it will continue to cook during resting).
Medium rare – 55°C (131°F)
Medium – 60°C ( 140°F)
Medium well – 65°C (149°F)
Well done – 70°C+ (158°F)
Storage:Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Why not make a Monday night roast beef stroganoff with the leftovers?Nutrition:The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.