Beef stew is a classic comfort food, perfect for cold days or whenever you need a hearty and satisfying meal. Making beef stew in a slow cooker not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the flavors, as the slow simmering allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. This recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stew is designed to be both easy and delicious, resulting in a rich, flavorful stew that’s sure to become a family favorite.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
Using a slow cooker for beef stew has several advantages. It requires minimal supervision, the slow cooking process tenderizes the beef to perfection, and the flavors have time to develop depth and complexity. It’s a convenient method that yields consistently excellent results.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until they are well-coated.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides. This step adds flavor to the stew.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients:
- To the slow cooker, add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, carrots, and potatoes.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook the Stew:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Finish the Stew:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the stew.
- Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the beef stew hot, with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef, as it adds a rich flavor to the stew.
- Vegetable Sizes: Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Thickness of Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful, perfect for busy weekdays or relaxing weekends. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort.