When you decide to try something a bit different but comforting, slow cooker beef tongue steps in as a quiet hero. It’s not every day you reach for beef tongue, but once you do, it’s hard to forget how incredibly tender and richly flavored it becomes after hours of slow simmering. There’s something about the way the meat softens, soaking up the fragrance of onions, garlic, and bay leaves, that transforms this cut into a texture that almost melts on your tongue.

I remember the first time I made it—half distracted by a phone call, I wasn’t exactly sure how long it had been cooking. Somewhere between the aromas filling the kitchen and the slow ticking of the clock, I found myself craving those simple slices served warm, their edges just a bit uneven because I was slicing too quickly, eager to taste. It wasn’t perfect, but it was delicious enough to make me want to try it again, maybe with a little more care next time.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s exceptionally tender, with a richness that’s hard to match in everyday meals.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can almost forget about it while it simmers away.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated technique, just slow, patient cooking.
Versatile enough to be served in sandwiches, tacos, or sliced alongside hearty sides.
The texture might be unfamiliar at first, but that’s part of the charm—it’s a little adventure on your plate.

If you’re a little hesitant about trying beef tongue, know that it’s actually easier than it looks. The slow cooker gently breaks down the fibers, and peeling off the outer skin while it’s warm is almost effortless. It’s a dish that invites a bit of curiosity and rewards patience with deep, comforting flavor.

Slow Cooker Beef Tongue

Print Recipe

Tender and flavorful slow cooker beef tongue, simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served sliced with your favorite sides.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole beef tongue (about 3 to 4 pounds), rinsed
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon kosher salt
4 cups beef broth
2 cups water
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into chunks

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Rinse the beef tongue under cold running water and trim any excess fat or glands if visible.
Place the beef tongue in the slow cooker.
Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, black peppercorns, kosher salt, carrots, and celery around and on top of the tongue.
Pour the beef broth and water into the slow cooker, ensuring the tongue is mostly submerged.
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the tongue is very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Carefully remove the tongue from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
While still warm, peel off the thick outer skin of the tongue using a sharp knife; it should come off easily.
Slice the peeled tongue into desired thickness.
Serve warm as is, or use in sandwiches, tacos, or your preferred dishes.

Kitchen Notes: Using a slow cooker makes this dish approachable even if you don’t have fancy equipment. I usually just use a basic slow cooker, and it works just fine. Serving it with fresh tortillas and a squeeze of lime can really brighten the richness. I’ve also tried it with a side of roasted root vegetables for a cozy dinner. Sometimes I toss in a few extra carrots or celery stalks for an added layer of flavor, but that’s just personal preference. If you want to experiment, swapping beef broth for a light beer could add a subtle twist, though I haven’t tested that extensively.

FAQ:

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Leftovers store well in the fridge for several days or can be frozen for longer.

Is peeling the skin difficult?
Not at all when the tongue is warm; the skin should come off easily with a sharp knife.

What sides go well with this?
Simple salads, roasted veggies, or even classic potatoes complement it beautifully.

Give slow cooker beef tongue a try next time you want something comforting with a bit of character. Trust me, it’s worth the curiosity.