There’s something magical about coming home to the savory aroma of a slow-cooked meal. Our slow cooker beef stew recipe brings together tender beef chunks and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth that warms the soul. Ideal for any season, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Equipments
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering and preparing all your ingredients. Rinse and peel the vegetables, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. This includes carrots, potatoes, and onions, which will add hearty flavors and textures to your stew. Trim any excess fat from your beef chunks to keep the stew lean yet tender.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Although optional, browning the beef enhances the stew’s flavor. In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and sear the beef chunks until they develop a nice browned exterior. Once done, transfer the beef into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Layer the carrots, potatoes, and onions over the beef in the slow cooker. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like thyme and rosemary. These seasonings elevate the dish, infusing the stew with aromatic depth.
Step 4: Pour in Liquid
For the stew’s base, pour beef broth over the contents of the slow cooker. This not only helps meld the flavors during cooking but also prevents the stew from drying out.
Step 5: Cook the Stew
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 8 hours. The low, slow cooking will make the beef irresistibly tender while all the ingredients blend into a harmonious dish.
Step 6: Final Touches
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in some peas for an added burst of color and nutrition. If you’d like a thicker stew, create a slurry with flour and water, then mix it in during the final hour of cooking.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Serve your slow cooker beef stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal. This hearty stew is perfect as a standalone dish or alongside other comfort foods.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
The key to a successful beef stew is using good-quality meat and fresh vegetables. Feel free to swap some vegetables based on seasonality or taste preferences. For an even richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan after browning the beef.
High Protein Beef Stew: Power Up Your Meal
If you’re looking to increase the protein content in your beef stew, consider adding beans or lentils during cooking. These ingredients provide additional nutrients without compromising flavor, ensuring the stew is both hearty and protein-packed.
Low Carb Beef Stew: Deliciously Guilt-Free
For a low-carb alternative, replace potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce the liquid to prevent over-thinning, and rely on a mix of hearty vegetables like zucchini and spinach. These swaps maintain satisfying flavors while supporting a carb-conscious diet.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, chicken can be a delicious alternative but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What can I use instead of potatoes? Sweet potatoes or parsnips are great substitutes.
- Can I make it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Is there a vegetarian version? Replace meat with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian stew.
Perfect Your Stew: Conclude with Confidence
This slow cooker beef stew is a meal that satisfies the heart and home, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Don’t keep this comfort food secret! Share this recipe with friends and let us know if you tweak it with your signature touch!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck roast
- carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- beef broth
- salt
- black pepper
- dried thyme
- dried rosemary
- peas
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare all your ingredients by rinsing, peeling, and chopping as necessary.
- In a skillet, brown the beef chunks over medium heat for added flavor before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Add chopped vegetables and seasoning into the slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low setting for 8 hours, adding peas during the last 30 minutes.
- Stir the stew, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.