What are some of the best comfort food recipes?Slow Cooker Beef Stew: What are some? This is the one I turn to when I need a hug in the bowl. My grandma used to make something similar on Sundays, simmering it on the stove all day long. If you smell the whole house, it will fill the entire house. What is the difference between a slow cooker version and an oven version? Think of it as the ultimate weeknight dinner champion, rivaling even your go-to pasta bake in terms of flavor. Is there a pure satisfaction and ease? What are some good ways to bookmark this site.
What is slow cooker beef stew?
So, what exactly *is* this magical concoction? Well, it’s essentially a hearty, one-pot meal where tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked with a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Think of it as a symphony of flavors, where each ingredient plays its part to create a truly unforgettable dish. The beauty of using a Slow Cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in a stew that is incredibly deep and complex. No babysitting required! It’s the perfect way to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. I always say this particular Slow Cooker Beef Stew.What is the best way to eat on a Sunday night?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some of the best recipes to try? First and foremost, the human condition.flavor is out of this world. The beef becomes incredibly tender and succulent, practically melting in your mouth. And the vegetables? They soak up all that delicious broth, becoming sweet and flavorful. The depth of flavor you get from just a few simple ingredients is really quite astounding. The herbs and spices make all the difference, creating a warming and aromatic experience.
But beyond the taste, what I love most about this Slow Cooker Beef Stew. is the simplicityIs it easy to do? Is it possible to toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it? What’s a lifesaver on tuesdays when you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen? Plus, it’s incrediblycost-efficientYou can use inexpensive cuts of beef, and the vegetables are all readily available. What are I often buy my stewing beef when it’s on sale and freeze it until I’m ready to make this. What is win-win?
And finally, let’s talk about versatility. You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, experiment with different herbs and spices, or even throw in a can of canned tomatoes. How do you dice tomatoes for flavor? My kids ask for this all the time and it disappears in minutes at my house. When will the weather turn cooler? What is the ultimate comfort food? What are some of my favorite recipes for Chicken Pot Pie? What is easier to make than a cake? Are leftovers even better the next day? I love taking them to work for lunch – instant office envy!
How do I make slow cooker beef stew?
Quick Overview
Making this Slow Cooker Beef Stew.What is the best way to cook beef in a slow cooker? What are some herbs and spices, and let it simmer away until everything is tender and delicious. How do I cook a chicken the longer it simmers? Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients – it’s all very straightforward, and the payoff is very good. What is a dump-and-go recipe?
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew:
Beef:2 lbs stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes. I usually buy chuck roast and cut it myself, but pre-cut stew meat works great too. Don’t skimp on quality here – it really makes a difference.Vegetables:3 carrots, peeled and chopped; 3 celery stalks; 1 large onion, chopped. 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup frozen peas (added during the last 30 minutes of cooking). I always use Russet potatoes because they get nice and fluffy, but Yukon Golds would also work well. Can you add other veggies like parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes?Broth:I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level. 4 cups beef broth. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth.Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste. This adds depth of flavor and helps to thicken the stew.
Worcestershire Sauce:2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Another key ingredient for umami flavor.Garlic:What is better with garlic?Herbs & Spices:1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon dried rosemary; 1/4 teaspoon bay leaf; salt and pepper to taste. Fresh thyme and rosemary are even better if you have them on hand.Flour (optional):2 tablespoons flour, for thickening the stew (you can also use cornstarch). I only use this if the stew seems too thin after cooking. I prefer not to, unless I can help it!
How do I follow
Step 1: Brown the Beef
How do you heat a large skillet over medium heat? Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor. Don’t skip it! What is the best way to brown beef in a slow cooker? Set the browned beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step helps to release the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds another layer of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Mix well. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork. I always cook mine on low for the full 8 hours to get the most flavor.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Peas
During the last 2 hours of cooking (if cooking on low) or the final hour of (when) you cook on high, add a little salt to the mixture. During the last 30 minutes, add the frozen peas. How do potatoes cook through but not mushy, and the peas are still vibrant and crispy?
Step 6: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If stew is too thin, you can thicken it with a slurry of flour and water. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of cold water. Set aside. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until thickened. Can you use cornstarch instead of flour?
Step 7: Remove Bay Leaf and Serve
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. What are some good garnishes for sour cream?
What should I serve it with?
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew: What are someIs a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with some simple sides. What do you serve a hearty meal with?Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. I usually get a sourdough baguette from my local bakery.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a classic side for beef stew. I love to make my own from scratch!
My family also enjoys this stew with buttered noodles sometimes or served over rice. Honestly, it’s pretty great any way you serve it! This stew is so good that I tend to make a big batch of it so that I can have leftovers for lunch and my spouse can have it for lunch too, the next day.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew every time. Here are my top tips:
Browning the Beef: Don’t skip this step! Browning the beef adds a rich, deep flavor that you just can’t get any other way. Make sure to brown it in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
Sautéing the Vegetables: Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker helps to release their natural sweetness and adds another layer of flavor to the stew.
Using High-Quality Ingredients: Use the best quality beef broth and Worcestershire sauce that you can find. It really makes a difference in the final flavor of the stew.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Add the potatoes and peas during the last few hours of cooking so they don’t get mushy.
Thickening the Stew: If the stew is too thin, you can thicken it with a slurry of flour and water or cornstarch. But be careful not to add too much, or it will become gluey.
Adjusting the Seasoning: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs and spices.
Adding a Touch of Acid: A splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity. I always add a teaspoon of lemon juice.
I’ve tested this recipe a million times, but some things will come down to your slow cooker as well. Some run hotter than others, so keep that in mind!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator: Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to thin it out.
I always let the stew cool completely before storing it to prevent bacteria growth. And be sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stew. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. And the best part? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and delicious meals. Happy cooking! And I can’t wait to see how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions, and don’t forget to rate this recipe!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew: 7 Secrets for Hearty Winter Dinners!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb Beef Stew Meat cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 1 lb Potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 lb Carrots peeled and sliced
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp Salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat in batches, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour the beef broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add the potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
