Picture this: a chilly evening, the comforting aroma of beef stew simmering in your kitchen, and your anticipation for a warm, homey meal. Ah, there’s nothing quite like a hearty stew to warm your soul, especially when it’s made in a slow cooker. Today, I’m sharing my slow cooker beef stew with peas recipe. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that brings family and friends together, delighting both your taste buds and your hearts.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
Equipments
- Slow cooker
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Peas – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and placing them on the counter for easy access. Dice the beef chuck into uniform cubes of about 1 to 1.5 inches to ensure even cooking. Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. This preparation should take around 10 minutes.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Although not compulsory, searing the beef cubes in a hot pan with a drizzle of oil before placing them in the slow cooker enhances the flavor and texture. The caramelization process locks in unforgettable beefy goodness, a step truly worth the effort.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
In your trusty slow cooker, combine the beef cubes, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Stew
Set your slow cooker on low and let the stew cook for about 8 hours, or set it on high for 4 hours if you’re short on time. The long, slow simmer is crucial for tender meat and a melding of flavors. About 30 minutes before completion, add the peas. Their vibrant color and sweetness will brighten the stew.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Peas
Serve the stew piping hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the rich broth, and enjoy it with a glass of your favorite red wine for a fine finish.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For a thicker stew, consider tossing the beef slices in flour before searing. This will give your stew a thicker consistency once cooked. Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or parsnips for additional flavor layers.
High-Protein Variant: Power Packed Slow Cooker Beef Stew
For those looking to increase their protein intake, adding a can of drained white beans or chickpeas during the last 30 minutes of cooking can enhance the protein profile of this dish significantly. These extra legumes will add lovely texture and body to the stew.
Low-Carb Delight: Leaner Slow Cooker Beef Stew
If you’re following a low-carb diet plan, swap out the potatoes for cauliflower florets. This will reduce the carb count without sacrificing the hearty essence of the stew. The cauliflower will absorb the stew’s rich flavors and offer a delightful, tender bite.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
- Can I add wine to the stew? Yes, adding a splash of red wine can deepen the flavor, but make sure to reduce the beef broth by the same amount.
- What is the best type of beef for this stew? Beef chuck works well due to its ability to become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Do I need to thaw peas before adding? Frozen peas can be added directly during the last 30 minutes. There’s no need to thaw them.
- Can I make this stew in a pressure cooker? Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time and ensure enough liquid to prevent burning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: An Invitation to Share
This slow cooker beef stew with peas is more than a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home. If this recipe warmed your heart and kitchen, do share it with friends and family. We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Peas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- peas
- carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- garlic
- beef broth
- tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper
- bay leaves
Instructions
Steps
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and placing them on the counter for easy access. Dice the beef chuck into uniform cubes of about 1 to 1.5 inches to ensure even cooking. Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Although not compulsory, searing the beef cubes in a hot pan with a drizzle of oil before placing them in the slow cooker enhances the flavor and texture.
- In your trusty slow cooker, combine the beef cubes, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Set your slow cooker on low and let the stew cook for about 8 hours, or set it on high for 4 hours if you're short on time. The long, slow simmer is crucial for tender meat and a melding of flavors. About 30 minutes before completion, add the peas.