There’s nothing quite like the cozy warmth of a homemade stew on a chilly day, and a slow cooker beef stew is the epitome of comfort food. This recipe is ideal for those busy weekdays when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas until dinner is served.
Ingredients
To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Equipments
- Slow cooker (at least 6 quarts)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps achieve a nice golden brown when browning. Once dry, toss the cubes in flour until they are lightly coated. The flour will help thicken the stew during cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flour-coated beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until all sides are browned. Transfer each batch of browned beef to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent. This step adds extra depth to the stew’s flavor. Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker along with the beef.
Step 4: Incorporate Additional Ingredients
Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring a harmonious merge of flavors. The wine will enhance the richness, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute with additional broth.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours, depending on your availability. The longer the stew cooks, the more tender the beef becomes as it soaks up the essence of the accompanying ingredients.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves. Stir the stew one last time, and taste for seasoning adjustments if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy the hearty flavors with your loved ones!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This stew is best served warm with a side of crusty bread perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. For a lighter option, you can offer it alongside a fresh garden salad.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To elevate your stew, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. If you prefer a thicker stew, before serving, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir into the stew, cooking on high for an additional 15 minutes.
Protein-Packed Delight: Beef Stew for High-Protein Lovers
For those focused on increasing their protein intake, enrich your stew by incorporating more meat or adding protein-rich vegetables. Consider using lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin, for an even healthier profile. The nutrients will stay intact, making this stew both delicious and nutritious.
Low-Carb Beef Stew Heaven: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
You can transform this traditional dish into a low-carb version by replacing potatoes with turnips or rutabagas. These alternatives provide a similar texture to potatoes without the high carbohydrate content. You’ll still enjoy a comforting bowl without worrying about carb overload.
Storage Instructions
Store your beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
- Can I make this beef stew vegetarian? Yes, simply replace the beef with mushrooms and other vegetables like zucchini for added texture.
- How can I make the stew without alcohol? Substitute red wine with beef or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- What can I add for more flavor? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Is it better to cook on low or high in the slow cooker? Cooking on low allows flavors to develop better, but if you’re pressed for time, high is a viable option.
- How can I make the stew thicker? Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew towards the end of cooking.
Relish the Comfort: Share Your Slow Cooker Beef Stew Experience
This slow cooker beef stew is the perfect recipe to warm up any family gathering or quiet dinner at home. Its rich, savory flavor is both satisfying and nourishing. If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and family or leave a comment below. We’d love to hear how this stew turned out in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- all-purpose flour
- olive oil
- carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- minced garlic
- beef broth
- red wine
- tomato paste
- dried thyme
- salt
- black pepper
- bay leaves
Instructions
Steps
- Begin by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with flour until lightly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the beef cubes on all sides and transfer to a slow cooker.
- Add onions and garlic to the skillet, sauté until translucent, then add to the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, potatoes, broth, wine, tomato paste, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Cover and set the slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasonings as needed. Enjoy!