Slow Cooker Citrus Wheat Beer Beef Cheeks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a restaurant-quality finish, you can strain the cooking liquid after removing the meat and reduce it in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches a syrupy consistency.

Whisking in a small knob of cold butter at the very end can add a beautiful sheen to the sauce and enhance its richness. This small extra step can turn a simple weeknight meal into something truly special for guests or a weekend dinner.

If you find that the carrots are cooking faster than the beef, they can be added halfway through the cooking time. However, for a traditional slow-cooked result where the carrots become infused with the beef juices, adding them at the beginning is perfectly fine.

The carrots will lose their firm shape but will become incredibly flavorful, acting as a perfect side dish that is already seasoned by the cooking liquid.

Variations

• Herbed Citrus Beef: Add a sprig of fresh thyme and a bay leaf to the slow cooker before starting to introduce an earthy, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the orange zest.
• Spicy Beer Beef: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili pepper into the seasoning mix to add a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the beef.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef will continue to absorb the flavors of the braising liquid, making it taste even better the next day. Ensure the meat is completely cooled within two hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge. Properly stored, the beef will remain safe and delicious for up to three days. When reheating, use a low heat to keep the meat from drying out.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for 24 hours. Simply follow the cooking instructions, allow the dish to cool, and refrigerate it in its cooking liquid.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker on a low setting when you are ready to serve. This method also makes it easier to skim off any solidified fat from the top of the sauce before reheating.

Serving ideas

Serve the beef cheeks over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up the rich, citrus-infused sauce. The smooth texture of the starch provides a perfect contrast to the tender, gelatinous beef. A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus adds a touch of freshness and color that balances the deep, savory notes of the main dish, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal for any occasion.

For a more casual presentation, shred the beef cheeks and serve them in warm brioche buns as a gourmet sandwich, topped with a quick slaw of thinly sliced cabbage and carrots.

This highlights the versatility of the beef and makes for a fun, interactive dinner. No matter how you serve it, ensure that each portion includes a generous amount of the reduced braising liquid, as this is where the most intense flavor resides.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Citrus Wheat Beer Beef Cheeks

Prep 15 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 20 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef cheeks, trimmed of excess fat
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 12 oz wheat beer

Instructions

1. Place the trimmed beef cheeks into the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced carrots evenly over the meat, then sprinkle with the ground coriander and fresh orange zest.
2. Pour the wheat beer over the seasoned beef and carrots. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
3. Carefully remove the beef cheeks from the slow cooker and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature has reached at least 145°F (63°C) before serving. Serve the tender beef with the braised carrots and a drizzle of the reduced cooking liquid.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32.5 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

380 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.