This slow cooker Amish cinnamon beef is the kind of low-effort dinner that makes a busy week feel much more manageable. The combination might sound a little unexpected at first, but a light sprinkle of cinnamon brings a warm, cozy flavor to the beef as it cooks low and slow until tender. It has that old-fashioned comfort-food feel that fits right in with simple Amish-inspired cooking, where a few pantry staples turn into something hearty and satisfying.
Serve this beef with buttery mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice to catch all the rich juices. I also like adding a simple green bean side, glazed carrots, or a crisp salad to balance the warmth of the meat. If you want to stretch the meal, spoon the shredded beef onto toasted sandwich rolls or alongside roasted potatoes for an easy next-day dinner.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Cinnamon Beef
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds beef arm roast
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 packet onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
1. Place the beef arm roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the top of the raw roast.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix and brown sugar over the roast, then pour the beef broth around and partly over the meat.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is very tender and easy to pull apart with a fork.
4. Shred or slice the beef, spoon some of the cooking juices over the top, and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add onions: If you have a few extra minutes, layer a sliced onion under the roast before cooking. It adds more savory flavor and melts right into the broth.
Make it a gravy: For a thicker sauce, remove the cooked beef and whisk 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir it into the hot cooking liquid and let it thicken for a few minutes.
Use the leftovers well: Leftover beef is great tucked into sandwiches, spooned over egg noodles, or folded into a simple baked potato dinner the next night. It is one of those meals that feels even easier on day two.
Watch the cinnamon level: Cinnamon should add warmth, not turn the dish sweet. If you are trying this flavor combination for the first time, start with 2 teaspoons and increase next time if you want a stronger note.
Choose the right cut: Arm roast works especially well here because the long cooking time breaks it down beautifully. Chuck roast is also a good substitute if that is what you find at the store.