Name: Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 cinnamon stick; 1 large onion; 2 lime wedges; 2 star anise pods; 2 tbsp chopped green onions; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 2-inch piece ginger; 3 lbs beef brisket; 4 cloves garlic; 6 cups low-sodium beef broth

This Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Beef features tender beef in a fragrant broth with aromatic spices. Perfect for a hearty meal, it’s a simple recipe that blends rich, savory flavors into a nutritious dish with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vietnamese pho-inspired beef is a nutritious, hearty dinner option that transforms tender beef in a fragrant broth with aromatic spices into a flavorful delight, perfect for a satisfying meal. Easy to prepare with hands-off cooking, it’s packed with protein, vitamins, and bold taste. Versatile—serve with noodles or rice—this recipe offers a delicious and wholesome indulgence.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Sear the Beef: Enhances flavor and texture.

Use Fresh Spices: Adds better aroma.
Cook on Low: Ensures tender meat.
Stir Occasionally: Ensures even broth infusion.

Check Doneness: Beef should be fall-apart tender.
Avoid Overfilling: Leaves room for juices to blend.
Serve Hot: Maximizes the aromatic appeal.

Skim Fat if Desired: Removes excess grease.
Rest Before Serving: Allows flavors to meld.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and tweak salt to preference.

Yield: 8 servings

Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Beef

Tender pho-inspired beef, savory slow cooker meal.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 cinnamon stick
1 large onion

2 lime wedges
2 star anise pods
2 tbsp chopped green onions

2 tbsp fish sauce
2-inch piece ginger
3 lbs beef brisket

4 cloves garlic
6 cups low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

Prep the Beef: Season beef brisket lightly with pepper.

Sear the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear beef for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
Prepare Aromatics: Halve the onion and smash garlic; slice ginger.
Combine Ingredients: Place onion, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick around the beef in the slow cooker. Add beef broth and fish sauce.

Season the Dish: Stir to mix the ingredients evenly around the beef.
Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours until beef is tender.
Check Doneness: Ensure the beef falls apart easily with a fork.

Remove Aromatics: Take out star anise, cinnamon stick, and large onion pieces.
Rest the Beef: Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes with the lid off to settle flavors.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions, serve with lime wedges, and savor this aromatic, pho-inspired delight!

Notes

Sear beef first for flavor; use fresh spices for aroma.
Stir occasionally for even cooking; check seasoning to taste.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness; reheat gently to preserve moisture.

This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 520Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 180mgSodium 806mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 52g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Beef Brisket (3 lbs): For rich, tender texture.
Beef Broth (6 cups): Low-sodium, for base.
Star Anise (2 pods): For authentic flavor.

Cinnamon Stick (1): For warm spice.
Ginger (2-inch piece): Sliced, for depth.
Fish Sauce (2 tbsp): For umami.

Onion (1 large): Halved, for aroma.
Garlic (4 cloves): Smashed for depth.
Green Onions (2 tbsp): Chopped, for garnish.

Lime Wedges (2): For serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Swap: Use flank steak or oxtail.
Broth Swap: Use chicken broth for variety.

Spice Swap: Replace star anise with cloves.
Ginger Swap: Use ground ginger if fresh isn’t available.
Sauce Swap: Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

Onion Swap: Use shallots for milder flavor.
Garlic Swap: Use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Low-Sodium: Reduce or skip salt based on broth.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat on stovetop.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge.
Reheating: Warm on low heat with a splash of water.