This Crock Pot Beef Liver is a tender and flavor-packed recipe, which uses beef livers and red onions. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Crock Pot Beef Liver Ingredients
- 4 Large Red Onions
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 800 g Beef Livers
- 1 Litre Whole Milk
- 480 ml Instant Pot Beef Stock
- 3 Garlic Cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Puree/Paste
- 1 Tbsp Dried Mixed Herbs
- 1 Tbsp Dried Parsley
- Handful Fresh Bay Leaves
- Mashed Potatoes
- Salt & Pepper
How To Make Crock Pot Beef Liver
- Soak the liver: Load the beef livers into a bowl with milk and soak for two hours. This improves both taste and texture. Then, drain the milk.
- Prep the onions: Peel and slice the onions lengthwise. Place them in the slow cooker with olive oil and sauté until softened.
- Trim and season the liver: Pat dry the livers, season with salt and pepper, and trim into strips.
- Brown the liver: Add the liver to the onions in the slow cooker. Brown on all sides. Add extra olive oil if needed.
- Deglaze and season: Cancel the sauté function. Deglaze with beef stock and stir in tomato puree, garlic, mixed herbs, parsley, and bay leaves. Ensure the livers are fully covered.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve: Dish up the liver and onions with mashed potatoes.

Recipe Tips
- Why soak liver in milk first?
Soaking helps remove bitterness and results in a milder, more pleasant flavor. - Can I use chicken liver instead?
Yes, but reduce the cook time as chicken liver is more delicate. - What if I don’t have beef stock?
You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth, though the flavor will vary. - How to add bacon to this recipe:
Add chopped bacon when browning the liver for an extra smoky flavor boost. - Do I need to sauté the onions first?
Yes, sautéing brings out sweetness and prevents a raw onion taste.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Beef Liver
This rich and hearty dish pairs well with classic comfort sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Buttery peas
- Crusty bread
- Roasted carrots
How To Store Beef Liver
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freeze: Allow to cool completely. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Beef Liver Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 369
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 550mg
- Sodium: 418mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 33,954 IU
- Vitamin C: 14mg
- Iron: 11mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without soaking the liver?
Yes, but the flavor may be more intense and slightly bitter.
How to make liver less chewy?
Don’t overcook. Slow cooking and soaking in milk help achieve a tender texture.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to about 45 minutes and simmer on low heat.
Why is my liver tough after slow cooking?
Overcooking or skipping the milk soak can make liver dry and chewy.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added for extra flavor.
Try More Recipes:
Crock Pot Beef Liver
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes4
hours369
kcalA classic, slow-cooked beef liver and onions recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly tender.
Ingredients
4 Large Red Onions
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
800 g Beef Livers
1 Litre Whole Milk
480 ml Instant Pot Beef Stock
3 Garlic Cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1 Tbsp Tomato Puree/Paste
1 Tbsp Dried Mixed Herbs
1 Tbsp Dried Parsley
Handful Fresh Bay Leaves
Mashed Potatoes
Salt & Pepper
Directions
- Soak beef livers in milk for 2 hours, then drain.
- Peel and slice onions. Sauté with olive oil in slow cooker until softened.
- Pat dry and season liver. Trim into strips.
- Add liver to slow cooker and brown all sides.
- Cancel sauté. Deglaze with beef stock. Add tomato puree, garlic, herbs, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve with mashed potatoes.
