There’s nothing quite like coming home to the welcoming aroma of a savory, hearty beef stew simmering in your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew not only satisfies your taste buds but also warms your heart with each bite. Perfect for busy weekdays or a relaxed weekend, this recipe effortlessly combines convenience with flavor, making it a perennial favorite. Let’s dive into the comfort and simplicity of preparing this classic dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup peas
Equipments
- Slow Cooker
- Large skillet
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Peel and slice the carrots, peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onions, and mince the garlic. This preparatory step ensures you are ready to seamlessly proceed with your cooking, noting that uniformly cut vegetables will lead to even cooking in the slow cooker.
Step 2 – Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the beef in the skillet. Sear each side until they develop a rich brown color. While this step is optional, it enhances the depth of flavor in your stew, making it more robust and savory.
Step 3 – Assemble in Slow Cooker:
Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and tomato paste, and sprinkle the thyme and rosemary. Stir everything well to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated in the flavorful broth.
Step 4 – Cook the Stew:
Set your slow cooker to low and allow the stew to cook for 7-8 hours, or 4-5 hours on high. Gentle simmering for this length of time makes the beef tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Towards the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas to keep them vibrant and fresh.
Step 5 – Check & Adjust Seasonings:
Taste the stew towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasonings if needed. Sometimes, a little extra salt or pepper is all it needs. Let the stew rest for ten minutes after turning off the heat, allowing residual warmth to enhance its flavors.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Once your slow cooker beef stew is ready, ladle it into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve with warm bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes. It’s a cozy dish perfect for chilly evenings when comfort food is on the agenda.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an extra punch of flavor, consider using fresh herbs. Additionally, searing the beef is an optional step but is highly recommended for improving the depth of your stew. Always let the stew sit for a while before serving to enrich the taste. Consider pairing this dish with a bold red wine to elevate your dining experience.
High-Protein Impact: Boost with Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Looking to increase your protein intake? Simply adding more beef and including beans, like chickpeas or kidney beans, will provide a beneficial nutritional boost. By incorporating these changes, the stew becomes more filling while also supporting your dietary needs.
Low-Carb Delight: Guilt-Free Slow Cooker Beef Stew
For those watching their carb intake, swap the potatoes with turnips or cauliflower. Both options maintain texture and hearty essence while keeping the carb count low. It’s a creative twist that won’t compromise on flavor!
Storage Instructions
To store your slow cooker beef stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, the stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
- Can I cook on high to reduce time? Yes, you may reduce the time to 4-5 hours by cooking on high.
- Is it necessary to sear the beef? Searing isn’t mandatory, yet it enhances the flavor significantly.
- How can I make it spicier? Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
- What can be used instead of beef chuck? You can also use beef stew meat or short ribs for similar results.
- How do I thicken my stew? You can thicken it with cornstarch or a flour slurry.
Embrace the Warmth with Every Bite
This slow cooker beef stew epitomizes comfort and ease, perfect for any mealtime craving. It’s the kind of dish that evokes nostalgia and warmth, inviting you to share and enjoy with family and friends. Let us know how this recipe became a staple in your home, and don’t forget to share your own unique twists. We love to hear from you!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- garlic
- beef broth
- tomato paste
- thyme
- rosemary
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- peas
Instructions
Steps
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them according to the recipe.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then season and sear beef in batches.
- Transfer seared beef to slow cooker and add vegetables and herbs.
- Pour in beef broth and stir thoroughly to combine ingredients.
- Set slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, adding peas towards the end.
- Season to taste before serving and allow to sit briefly for flavors to meld.