Can You Use Schwartz Beef Casserole Mix in a Slow Cooker?

Beef casserole is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for making in a slow cooker. Using a packet mix like Schwartz can make preparing beef casserole even easier But can you use Schwartz beef casserole mix in a slow cooker?

The short answer is yes, you absolutely can use Schwartz beef casserole mix in a slow cooker! Schwartz packet mixes are designed to be quick and convenient options for making tasty casseroles, stews, pies and more Many of their mixes are now labeled as “slow cooker friendly” indicating they are suitable for making in a slow cooker

How to Use Schwartz Beef Casserole Mix in a Slow Cooker

Using a Schwartz beef casserole packet mix in your slow cooker takes a lot of the guesswork out of making beef casserole. Here are some tips for getting great results:

• Read the instructions on the packet first. This will tell you what ingredients you need to add and any extra steps. Schwartz mixes are designed to be used in the oven but with some simple tweaks they work perfectly in a slow cooker too.

• Use the correct liquid. The packet will recommend a certain amount of liquid, usually stock or water Use this amount or you may need to add more later if the casserole looks dry

• Sear the meat first. Browning the beef before slow cooking results in much better flavor. Heat a skillet with oil and quickly brown the beef on all sides before adding to the slow cooker.

• Add the other ingredients. Follow the directions to add the packet mix, vegetables, stock and any other ingredients to your slow cooker. Give it a good stir to combine.

• Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Schwartz casseroles only need 45 mins – 1 hour in the oven. For a slow cooker, cook for a minimum of 6 hours on low or up to 8 hours for very tender meat and vegetables.

• Adjust seasoning and thickness at the end. Check and adjust the seasoning after slow cooking then thicken the sauce if needed by mixing a spoonful of the mix packet with some water and stirring through.

Tips for the Best Schwartz Beef Casserole in a Slow Cooker

A few small tweaks can help you get the most flavor and best results from a Schwartz beef casserole made in the slow cooker:

• Brown the meat first for richer flavor
• Sauté aromatics like onion and garlic
• Use a combination of stock and red wine or ale for more depth
• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Use root vegetables that hold their shape like potato, carrot and parsnip
• Sprinkle the casserole with a little cornstarch if the sauce is too thin
• Add fresh herbs before serving for brightness

Choosing the right cut of beef is also important. Opt for chuck steak, braising steak or stewing beef which become meltingly tender when slow cooked.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Schwartz Beef Casserole?

The great thing about using a Schwartz packet mix is that most of the ingredients are already included, all you need to add is the meat and vegetables.

Here is what you’ll typically need:

• Beef – chuck, braising or stewing beef cut into chunks
• Onion – 1 large onion, chopped
• Carrots – 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• Potatoes – 2-3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• Celery – 1-2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)
• Stock – around 300ml good quality beef or vegetable stock
• Water – Schwarz packet will advise how much
• Red wine or ale (optional) – splash for extra flavor
• Fresh herbs (optional) – 1 tbsp mixed chopped herbs like parsley, thyme etc.

And of course the Schwartz beef casserole packet mix which contains thickeners, seasonings, gravy mix and sometimes dried vegetables.

Follow the recipe on the Schwartz packet for precise ingredient quantities.

Are There Any Schwartz Beef Casserole Mix Recipes Online?

There are lots of recipes online using Schwartz beef casserole packet mixes. Here are just a few tasty slow cooker beef casserole recipes to try:

• Easy Slow Cooker Beef Casserole – with baby onions and bacon. Uses a Schwartz mix sachet for flavor.

• Slow Cooker Beef Casserole with Dumplings – make light fluffy dumplings to top the hearty casserole.

• Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew – a Guinness and beef stew with vegetables flavored with a Schwartz mix.

• Italian Beef Casserole – Italian-style beef casserole with Schwartz mix, red wine, tomatoes and herbs.

• Beef Casserole with Cheesy Mustard Cobbler Topping – an indulgent beef cobbler cooked using a Schwartz casserole mix.

So you can easily adapt any Schwartz beef casserole packet by simply popping it in the slow cooker and adjusting the cooking time. There are so many delicious flavors to try from the Schwartz range too like steak and ale, beef bourguignon, steak Diane, beef stroganoff or cottage pie mix.

What Are the Benefits of Making Beef Casserole in a Slow Cooker?

There are several advantages to making a beef casserole using a slow cooker rather than oven baking:

• Convenience – just throw in ingredients and leave to cook. Great for busy weeknights.

• Tender meat – long slow cooking guarantees super tender beef that falls apart.

• Intensified flavor – the flavors really deepen and develop when cooked low and slow.

• Home all day cooking – pop it on first thing and dinner is ready when you get home.

• Energy efficient – uses less energy than oven baking for hours.

• Versatility – easily adapted to use up leftovers or veggies needing used.

• Minimal effort – create a hearty homecooked meal with minimal prep and effort.

Slow cooked beef casserole is the perfect family meal, made easy thanks to flavorful Schwartz packet mixes. Follow the tips above and you’ll enjoy tender, tasty beef casserole cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Schwartz Mixes in a Slow Cooker

Here are answers to some common questions about making beef casserole or other Schwartz packet mixes in a slow cooker:

Can you use any Schwartz mix in a slow cooker?

Yes, all Schwartz packet mixes can be adapted for slow cooking. Look for the “slow cooker friendly” logo or adjust oven cooking times.

Do you need to brown the meat first?

Browning meat before slow cooking adds lots of flavor. But if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

How much liquid do you need?

Follow packet guidelines and add enough stock or water to come 1/3 to 1/2 way up the slow cooker.

What settings and times should you use?

Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Quicker than oven but slower than stove-top.

Should you thicken the sauce at the end?

Check stew thickness when cooked. You can thicken and enhance flavor by mixing a spoon of the packet mix with water.

Can you prep it the night before?

Yes! Get everything chopped and measured the night before then refrigerate. Extra handy for busy mornings.

Can you freeze beef casserole made with a Schwartz mix?

Absolutely! Allow to cool fully then freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight before reheating.

Final Tips for Delicious Schwartz Slow Cooker Casserole

Here are a final few tips to ensure your Schwartz beef casserole cooked in the slow cooker turns out perfectly:

• If the casserole seems a little thin towards the end, turn to high for the last 30 mins to reduce and thicken the sauce.

• Add fresh herbs 10-15 minutes before serving to keep their flavor and color.

• Make it more indulgent by topping with cheese, crispy fried onions or croutons.

• Garnish with parsley or chives to add freshness.

• Serve with creamy mashed potato, steamed greens, rice or crusty bread.

• Only lift the lid when absolutely necessary to avoid heat loss and extra cooking time.

• Ensure root veggies are chopped to a similar small size so they cook in time.

• Don’t be tempted to peek or stir too often!

• Freeze any leftovers for quick future meals.