How to Cook Beef Heart in a Slow Cooker: A Delicious and Nutritious Meal

ByAmelia Ellis Updated

How to Cook Beef Heart in a Slow Cooker?

To cook beef heart in a slow cooker, start by marinating the heart in a mixture of seasonings for a few hours.

Cut the heart into 1.5″ pieces and season with salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.

Add beef broth and cook on high heat for 4 hours.

Use the drippings to make a brown onion gravy.

For an Instant Pot method, place the heart on a trivet with broth and seasonings, then cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

In an air fryer, preheat the heart at 400°F, spray with olive oil, and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Don’t forget to rinse and dry the heart before cooking, trim excess fat and membranes, and marinate in olive oil and spices.

Serve with caramelized onions and mashed potatoes as a side dish.

Key Points:

  • Marinate beef heart in seasonings and let sit for a few hours
  • Cut heart into 1.5″ pieces and season with salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano
  • Add beef broth to slow cooker and cook on high heat for 4 hours
  • Use drippings to make a brown onion gravy
  • Instant Pot method: place heart on a trivet with broth and seasonings, cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Air fryer method: preheat heart at 400°F, spray with olive oil, cook for 12 minutes flipping halfway through

Did You Know?

1. The beef heart is not only a lean and nutritious cut of meat, but it is also an excellent source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. This makes it a great choice for individuals seeking to boost their energy levels and support a healthy immune system.

2. Despite its name, the beef heart is not actually heart-shaped. It typically resembles a large muscle, with a bulbous bottom and a tapered top.

3. Slow cooking beef heart helps to tenderize the meat, making it incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The long cooking process breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

4. In some cultures, beef heart has been consumed for centuries and is considered a delicacy. For example, in Brazilian cuisine, a popular dish called “churrasco” often includes grilled beef hearts on skewers.

5. Beef heart can be a budget-friendly alternative to other cuts of meat, as it is often less expensive. By incorporating beef heart into your slow cooker recipes, you can enjoy a delicious meal while stretching your grocery budget further.

1. Marinating The Beef Heart Before Cooking

To ensure maximum flavor and tenderness, it is recommended to marinate the beef heart before cooking. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Rinse the beef heart under cold water to remove any impurities.
  2. Pat it dry with a paper towel before proceeding with the marinade.

Prepare a mixture of your favorite seasonings to infuse the beef heart with flavor. You can use a combination of:

  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Oregano

For a robust and well-balanced marinade, you may also add some olive oil to create a nice coating and help seal in the moisture.

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Place the beef heart in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, ensuring that it is completely submerged in the marinade. Allow the heart to marinate for at least a few hours, but for best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

“The marinade not only enhances the taste but also tenderizes the beef heart. This step is crucial in preparing a delicious and succulent dish.”

Remember, marinating the beef heart will result in a more flavorful and tender final dish. Enjoy!

2. Breading And Cooking The Beef Heart

Once the beef heart has marinated to perfection, it is time to bread and cook it. The breading adds a delightful crispy texture to the heart, complementing its rich flavor.

Begin by coating the individual pieces of beef heart in flour, ensuring an even and light coating. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.

Next, heat a skillet or Instant Pot over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil to the skillet or Instant Pot and allow it to heat up.

Place the breaded beef heart pieces in the skillet or Instant Pot, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.

For Instant Pot cooking, follow the same process of breading the beef heart but instead of using a skillet, place the heart on a trivet with 2 cups of beef broth and your desired seasonings. Close the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

This cooking method ensures that the beef heart retains its natural juiciness while achieving a delectable crunch on the outside.

  • Coat the beef heart in flour
  • Shake off excess flour
  • Heat skillet or Instant Pot with olive oil
  • Cook breaded beef heart for 3-4 minutes on each side
  • For Instant Pot cooking: place heart on trivet with beef broth and seasonings, cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 15 minutes

3. Adding Caramelized Onions As A Tasty Addition

Caramelized onions can greatly enhance the flavor profile of beef heart. The combination of their sweet and savory notes is a perfect match for the rich taste of the heart.

Here’s how to caramelize onions:

  1. Slice a large onion into thin strips.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and sauté gently, stirring occasionally until they soften and turn golden brown.

It’s important to note that caramelizing onions requires time and patience, usually around 20-30 minutes. This slow process allows the natural sugars in the onions to break down and develop a complex, sweet flavor.

Once the onions are soft and caramelized, you can use them as a flavorful topping for your cooked beef heart. They will add an extra layer of taste and texture, taking your dish to a whole new level.

  • Caramelized onions complement the rich taste of beef heart.
  • Slicing the onion into thin strips ensures even cooking.
  • Use medium heat to sauté the onions for a gentle caramelization.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent burning and promote even browning.

“Caramelized onions beautifully enhance the taste of beef heart, offering a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.”

4. Cutting The Beef Heart Into 1.5″ Pieces

To ensure even cooking and easy handling, it is important to cut the beef heart into uniform pieces. For slow cooking, cutting the heart into 1.5-inch pieces is recommended.

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Begin by rinsing the beef heart under cold water to remove any remaining impurities. Pat it dry with a paper towel.

Lay the beef heart on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim off any excess fat or membranes from the heart. This will ensure that your final dish is tender and free from any unwanted chewiness.

After cleaning, proceed to cut the beef heart into 1.5-inch pieces. This size allows for even cooking and ensures that the heart will be tender and flavorful throughout.

Remember to always handle raw meat with clean hands and sanitize any surfaces and utensils that come in contact with it to prevent cross-contamination.

5. Seasoning The Beef Heart For Slow Cooking

Proper seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of your beef heart when using a slow cooker. Choose seasonings that will complement the natural richness of the heart and elevate its taste.

Prepare a mixture of salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano to create a well-balanced seasoning blend. Adjust the quantities of each spice according to your personal taste preferences.

Once the beef heart has been cut into 1.5-inch pieces, generously season each piece with the spice mixture. Make sure to coat all sides of the heart thoroughly to ensure a flavorful and well-seasoned final result.

The aromatic blend of spices will infuse the heart, adding depth and complexity to the taste as it slowly cooks in the crockpot.

  • Season the beef heart with a mixture of salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
  • Make sure to coat all sides of the heart with the spice mixture.
  • The aromatic blend of spices will add depth and complexity to the taste as it cooks in the crockpot.

6. Adding Beef Broth And Cooking On High Heat

When using a slow cooker, it is important to use a cooking liquid that will keep the beef heart moist and flavorful. Beef broth is an excellent choice as it adds richness and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

To begin, place the seasoned beef heart pieces into the slow cooker. Make sure to season the heart with your preferred spices beforehand. Pour enough beef broth into the slow cooker to fully submerge the heart, but not so much that it becomes too watery.

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Set the slow cooker to high heat and cover it with the lid. Allow the beef heart to cook in the broth for approximately 4 hours or until it reaches the desired tenderness. The extended cooking time at a gentle heat will help break down the connective tissues in the heart, resulting in a tender and succulent final dish.

During the slow cooking process, the beef heart will absorb the flavors from the seasoning and beef broth, resulting in a tantalizing and melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when using a slow cooker for beef heart:

  • Prior to cooking, trim any excess fat from the heart.
  • For added flavor, you can marinate the heart in your favorite marinade overnight before placing it in the slow cooker.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cooking liquid by simmering it in a separate saucepan until it thickens, then drizzle it over the sliced beef heart before serving.

Note: The slow cooker method allows for the flavors to develop and intensify while ensuring a tender and flavorful result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook a heart?

Another option is to marinate the heart before cooking it on the grill. This will add additional flavor and help tenderize the meat. Grilling the heart gives it a delicious smoky flavor and crispy exterior, while keeping it juicy and flavorful on the inside.

Should beef heart be soaked before cooking?

No, soaking beef heart before cooking is unnecessary. While some may choose to soak it in a salt water solution to draw out the blood, it is not a mandatory step. Beef heart can be cooked without soaking, and it will still result in a delicious and flavorful dish. Soaking the heart may be a personal preference for those who prefer to remove any trace of blood, but it is not essential for the cooking process.

Can I put raw beef in slow cooker?

Yes, absolutely! Raw beef can be cooked in a slow cooker with great results. Although it is not mandatory, some recipes recommend browning the beef before placing it in the slow cooker to enhance the flavors and create a more robust taste. This step adds a delightful caramelization to the meat, making it even more delicious when cooked low and slow.

How do you soften beef heart?

To soften beef heart, slow cooking is a preferred method. By cooking it at a low temperature for an extended period of time, the meat becomes tender and succulent. Another option is to cut the beef heart into large bite-size pieces and use it in a delicious beef heart stew. Following a recipe like our Crockpot stew with onion soup mix will ensure a flavorsome and tender meal.