Extra High-Protein Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions
An extra high-protein, healthier slow cooker braised steak and onions with plenty of lean beef, extra vegetables, and a rich savoury gravy.
Method
- 1.
Heat half the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, adding the remaining oil as needed, then transfer to the slow cooker.
Do not overcrowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of brown.
- 2.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and onion to the pan and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 3.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and bay leaves, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- 4.
Place the carrot and mushrooms into the slow cooker with the beef. Pour over the onion and stock mixture.
- 5.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- 6.
Stir in the peas for the final 15 minutes of cooking.
- 7.
Mix the cornflour with the water to make a smooth slurry. Stir into the slow cooker, then cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 8.
Season to taste, discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves, then stir through the parsley and serve.
For the highest-protein serve, pair with steamed greens or cauliflower mash rather than rice or a large serve of potato.
Estimated Nutrition (per serve)
Score Breakdown 71/100
Macro Split
Health Insight
A decent recipe nutritionally with some room for improvement. Small tweaks could push this into the top tier.
- High protein density (12.8g per 100 cal) supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Well-portioned calorie count (405 per serve) — right in the sweet spot for a main meal.
- Healthy fat level (33% of calories) provides sustained energy without excess.
- Could use more fibre (4g per serve). Add vegetables, beans, or swap to wholegrain.
- Sugar is elevated (28g per serve). Check for hidden sugars in sauces or dressings.
Great protein ratio at 53% of calories — ideal for muscle maintenance and satiety.
This version increases the lean beef to push the protein higher while keeping the sauce light. Trim any visible fat before cooking. For the leanest high-protein serve, pair with steamed greens or cauliflower mash instead of a large serve of potato. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze well.
From Lazy Steven