Prep: 15 Minutes Cook: 7 to 8 hours (on low heat in a slow cooker) Numbers of Serves: 10-12 Serves

sweet-sour-beef-american-homemade-recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless beef round or chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups sliced carrots
  • 2 cups pearl onions
  • 1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Shell macaroni and snipped chives, optional
    •

    Instructions

    1. In a large skillet, brown steak in oil; transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker.
    2. Add the next 10 ingredients; stir well.
    3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat is tender.
    4. Thicken if desired.
    5. Serve over macaroni and garnish with chives if desired.

    Yield: 10-12 servings.


    For Nutritional And Health Benefits

    This delicious and traditional dish is not only unparalleled in flavor but also highly beneficial for health in terms of nutrition. Its main ingredient, beef, is an excellent source of high-quality protein, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for muscle strength and bodily energy. Cooking it slowly over low heat for an extended period tenderizes the meat fibers, making it easier to digest. The carrots, onions, and bell peppers add essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which help boost immunity and improve skin health. The lycopene in the tomato sauce is beneficial for heart health. This dish offers a superb blend of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables in a balanced diet, helping to meet your daily nutritional needs.

    For Pro Tips And Substitute Ingredients

    To make this dish absolutely perfect and incredibly flavorful, the kitchen's biggest secret is to thoroughly sear the meat in a kadai before cooking it over low heat so its natural juices stay locked inside and the meat remains tender on the inside. When cooking, many people make the mistake of adding the vegetables too early, which causes the bell pepper to lose its color and crispness, so it's better to add it in the final hour of cooking. If you want to make this recipe healthier and lower in calories, you can use honey or date paste instead of regular sugar. Additionally, using olive oil or coconut oil instead of refined vegetable oil can be an excellent and healthy alternative that is also great for heart health.

    For Serving And Storing

    To enhance the beauty of the prepared dish, serve it piping hot with boiled pasta or brown rice, and sprinkle finely chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top. Serve it with a fresh green salad tossed with lemon juice to further enhance its sweet-and-tangy flavor. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then seal them in an airtight container and refrigerate, where they will stay perfectly fresh for three to four days. The best way to reheat leftovers is on the stovetop over low heat instead of in the microwave, adding two to three tablespoons of water or broth to keep the gravy or sauce from getting too thick and the meat from drying out. making it taste just like freshly cooked food.