Imagine stepping into your kitchen, where the air is thick with the tantalizing aroma of a slow-cooked masterpiece, yet you’ve spent the day relaxing or tackling other tasks. That’s the magic of these Tender Slow Cooker Dutch Sukadelapjes. Also known as blade steaks or beef steaks, these cuts are transformed into the ultimate comfort food for even your busiest days. With minimal effort, the meat becomes so incredibly soft it practically melts in your mouth, falling apart at the slightest touch.

The rich, deeply flavored sauce is a symphony of tastes, carefully crafted with fragrant herbs, robust dark beer, savory beef stock, and a hint of sweet apple butter. This combination creates a gravy that is not just delicious but truly unforgettable. Serve your Sukadelapjes with classic mashed potatoes, a crisp, fresh salad to balance the richness, or, for the full experience, a piece of crusty bread perfect for soaking up every last drop of that exquisite sauce. This recipe truly embodies slow cooking at its very best – simple, deeply satisfying, and utterly delicious!

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Braised Beef Stew: A Taste of Dutch Tradition

For many, Dutch Sukadelapjes evoke cherished memories of home and family. I vividly recall Sundays at my grandmother’s house, where a massive pan of beef steak would simmer on the stove for hours. The rich, savory scent alone was enough to make your stomach rumble! The meat was always so incredibly tender, falling apart with just a fork, and that glorious gravy was poured over everything – crispy fries, fluffy mashed potatoes, or simply a thick slice of bread. It was pure nostalgia, a taste of comfort that defined my childhood.

Today, I wanted to recreate that same old-fashioned flavor but with a modern twist: using my slow cooker. This method offers the best of both worlds – all the deep, complex flavors of a traditional braise without the constant fuss. There’s no need to babysit the pot, just set it and forget it, and you’re guaranteed a perfect result every time. It’s ideal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends when you want a delicious meal without being tied to the kitchen. While the slow cooker works its magic, you’re free to do something else entirely – like, for instance, writing this very blog post! 😉

The beauty of slow cooking these Dutch beef steaks lies in how it transforms an often tougher, but highly flavorful, cut of meat into something unbelievably tender. The long, gentle cooking process breaks down the collagen and connective tissues, infusing the meat with all the rich flavors of the braising liquid. This results in a succulent dish that’s both economical and incredibly satisfying, proving that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sukadelapjes

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable Dutch beef stew. While the full list with precise measurements can be found in the detailed recipe card below, here are some helpful tips and insights into the key components:

• Blade Steaks (Sukadelapjes): This cut, from the shoulder of the cow, is perfect for slow cooking. It contains a seam of connective tissue that breaks down during long, slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful meat. If you can’t find blade steaks, excellent alternatives include chuck roast, round roast, or even tri-tip roast. These cuts have similar properties and will yield equally delicious results when slow-cooked.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Don’t underestimate the power of this ingredient! Balsamic vinegar adds a wonderful depth of flavor, a slight tang, and a subtle sweetness that brightens the entire stew. It helps to balance the richness of the beef and the dark beer. If you don’t have balsamic on hand, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as substitutes, offering a similar acidic note.
• Dark Beer: A cornerstone of many traditional European stews, dark beer contributes a complex, malty, and slightly caramel flavor that is essential for authentic Sukadelapjes. It adds richness and a beautiful color to the gravy. For those who prefer to avoid alcohol, simply leave it out and replace it with an additional ½ cup (120 ml) of beef stock. The stew will still be delicious, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.
• Apple Butter (or Apple Syrup): This ingredient is a secret weapon in many Dutch and Belgian stews. It adds a unique sweetness and fruity depth that complements the savory beef and dark beer beautifully. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
• Fresh Thyme and Bay Leaves: These classic aromatics infuse the stew with an earthy, herbaceous fragrance that is truly comforting. Fresh herbs always provide a more vibrant flavor than dried ones in slow-cooked dishes.
• Onions and Garlic: The foundation of any good savory dish. They provide essential aromatic notes that build the base of the stew’s flavor.
• Mustard and Bread: An old Dutch trick! Spreading mustard on slices of bread and placing them on top of the stew not only adds a subtle, piquant flavor but also helps to thicken the sauce as the bread dissolves into the liquid. It’s a fantastic, traditional method for achieving that perfect gravy consistency.

Effortless Preparation in 4 Simple Steps

Making these tender Dutch Sukadelapjes in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a delicious, hearty meal with minimal hands-on time:

1. Step 1: Lay the Foundation. Begin by placing the thinly sliced onions and pressed garlic cloves evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates an aromatic bed for the meat to rest on. Next, ensure your blade steaks have come to room temperature – this helps them cook more evenly. Generously sprinkle both sides of the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned meat directly on top of the onion and garlic layer.

2. Step 2: Add the Liquids and Aromatics. Pour the dark beer and beef stock over the meat, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid. Add the rich apple butter and balsamic vinegar, stirring gently to help them dissolve and combine with the other liquids. Finally, nestle the bay leaves and sprigs of fresh thyme amongst the meat. This infusion of flavors will create the incredible gravy.

3. Step 3: The Secret Thickener and Slow Cook. This is where a traditional Dutch trick comes in! Spread the bread slices generously with mustard, then place them mustard-side down directly on top of the meat and liquids in the slow cooker. The bread will slowly dissolve, thickening the sauce and adding a subtle, savory kick. Cover your slow cooker and set it to the low setting for a full 7 ½ hours. This long, slow cook time is crucial for achieving that signature fall-apart tenderness.

4. Step 4: Thicken the Gravy and Serve. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the incredibly tender meat from the slow cooker and transfer it to a plate. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the luscious sauce remaining in the slow cooker and stir well until fully incorporated. Return the cooked meat to the slow cooker. Increase the slow cooker setting to high and let it cook for another 30 minutes. This final step allows the cornstarch to fully activate, thickening the gravy to a perfect, rich consistency and ensuring the meat is thoroughly infused with the final flavor burst.

Your kitchen will be filled with the most incredible aroma by now, and your tender Dutch Sukadelapjes are ready to be savored!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Sukadelapjes

The rich, savory flavors of Dutch Sukadelapjes pair wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes. Here are some excellent suggestions to complete your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: This is a quintessential pairing. The creamy texture and mild flavor of mashed potatoes provide the perfect canvas for soaking up the rich, flavorful gravy from the stew. Try a garlic and shallot infused mash for an extra layer of taste!
• Fresh Vegetables: To balance the hearty meat, serving a vibrant vegetable side is highly recommended.
  • Green Beans with Herb Breadcrumbs: The crispness and fresh flavor of green beans offer a lovely contrast.
  • Braised Red Cabbage with Apples: This sweet and tangy side is a traditional Dutch accompaniment that complements the beef beautifully.
  • Fresh Chicory Salad with Apples, Walnuts, and Raisins: A slightly bitter and sweet salad adds a refreshing crunch.
  • Roasted Carrots or Brussels Sprouts: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and a slight caramelization, making them a great hearty vegetable option.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t let a single drop of that incredible gravy go to waste! A generous piece of crusty bread, like a fresh baguette or a rustic farm bread, is perfect for dipping and savoring the rich sauce.
• Rice or Pasta: For an alternative to potatoes, plain white rice or a simple egg noodle pasta can also serve as a great base to absorb the delicious gravy.

No matter your choice, ensure your sides are ready when the Sukadelapjes finish cooking, so you can enjoy this comforting meal at its peak!

Did you try making this incredibly delicious recipe? We’d absolutely love to hear about it! Please tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! It brings me so much joy to see your culinary creations, and I regularly share the most beautiful photos from my followers. If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback not only helps other home cooks discover wonderful dishes but also supports me in creating more content you’ll love.

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Tender Slow Cooker Dutch Sukadelapjes Recipe

Andréa

More Slow Cooker Delights to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and delicious results of slow cooking these Dutch Sukadelapjes, you’re in for a treat! The slow cooker is a fantastic tool for creating rich, comforting meals with minimal effort. Here are three more slow cooker recipes from our collection that you might enjoy:

From traditional stews to comforting roasts, the slow cooker is your secret weapon for delicious, stress-free meals. Happy cooking!