There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of slow cooker beef stew to comfort you on a chilly day. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth simmered to perfection, this recipe promises satisfaction for every palate. Imagine the aroma that fills your home as the slow cooker does its magic with minimal effort on your part.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1: Searing the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the beef cubes in flour, seasoned with salt and pepper, for an even coating. Brown the beef in batches; this step locks in juices and builds rich flavor for your stew.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
While the beef sears, chop your vegetables—potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. This efficient use of time ensures that your vegetables are ready for the slow cooker the moment your meat is prepared.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Place the seared beef cubes into the slow cooker. Add in the chopped vegetables, followed by tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Pour beef broth over the top, covering all ingredients adequately.
Step 4: Cooking the Stew
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set on low and cook for 7 to 8 hours—or until the beef is tender and the stew has thickened. Resist the urge to lift the lid, as this can slow down the cooking process.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Serve your stew warm in bowls, accompanied by crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a touch of freshness and color.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Choosing a marbled cut like chuck roast will give you the most tender texture after slow cooking. If you want an extra deep flavor, try deglazing the skillet with a splash of red wine before transferring the beef to the slow cooker. Additionally, don’t skip browning the beef; it adds a depth of flavor that enhances the dish significantly.
Beef Stew Extra Protein: The Muscle-Building Marvel
For those looking to increase their protein intake, enhance this recipe by adding extra lean sources like beans, lentils, or even tofu. Swap some of the potatoes with chickpeas or kidney beans, which absorb the broth’s rich flavors while adding a protein punch. This not only boosts nutritional content but also offers a delicious mix of textures.
Low-Carb Delight: A Beef Stew Dream
Cutting down on carbs doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious stews. Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets to keep things hearty yet low-carb. You can also add more leafy greens like spinach or kale for a nutritious finish while keeping your carb count in check. This version still offers the rich, comforting essence of traditional beef stew but perfectly aligns with a low-carb lifestyle.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, consider adding a splash of broth if the stew appears too thick after thawing.
FAQs
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can prep all ingredients the day before and store them in the fridge, ready to go.
- Can I use different vegetables? Certainly, options like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes work great.
- What if the stew is too thick? Stir in more beef broth until you reach the desired consistency.
- Can I substitute beef for another protein? Yes, try chicken or lamb for a delicious variation.
- Is it possible to cook on high heat? You can cook on high for 4 hours, but flavors develop best on low heat.
Invite Your Friends to Try This Delicious Adventure!
Now that you’ve discovered the joys of making slow cooker beef stew, why keep it to yourself? Invite friends and family over to share this comforting dish, or send them the recipe to try in their own kitchens. We’d love to hear how your stew turned out, so leave a comment and share your tweaks with us!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- carrots
- celery
- potatoes
- onion
- garlic
- beef broth
- tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- dried thyme
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- all-purpose flour
Instructions
Steps
- Sear beef cubes, seasoned with salt and pepper, in a skillet with olive oil until brown.
- Prepare vegetables by chopping potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Add beef and vegetables to the slow cooker. Include tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Pour beef broth over the mix and ensure all ingredients are covered.
- Cover and slow cook for 7 to 8 hours on low until meat is tender.