Slow Cooker Beef Stew

There’s something comforting about a hearty beef stew simmering away in the slow cooker, filling your home with tantalizing aromas. This classic recipe promises tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.

Tasting Notes

This slow cooker beef stew boasts tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss the beef stew meat in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
4. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced celery, dried thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. If using frozen peas, add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious slow cooker beef stew!

Pro Tips

• Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds extra flavor to the stew.
• For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variations

• Add diced tomatoes for a slightly tangy flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices such as rosemary or paprika to customize the flavor profile.
• Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this stew.
• For a heartier stew, add barley or lentils along with the other ingredients.

FAQs