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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a classic, hearty dish perfect for cold days, combining tender beef chuck with fresh vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth. This hands-off recipe uses slow cooking to develop deep savory flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for cozy family meals or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil (for searing)

Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into uniform pieces
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform pieces
  • 2 celery stalks, diced finely
  • 1 large onion, diced finely
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Flavorings

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh or dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

Thickening Agents

  • 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
  • 2–3 tablespoons cold water (to mix with flour/cornstarch)

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste (adjust after cooking)

Instructions

  1. Preparing the beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized chunks, then season with salt and pepper. For extra flavor and a lovely brown crust, quickly sear the pieces in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding to the slow cooker.
  2. Chopping the vegetables: Peel and cut the carrots and potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Dice the onions and celery finely, and mince the garlic. These fresh ingredients will infuse the broth with vibrant layers of natural taste.
  3. Combining ingredients in the slow cooker: Layer the seared beef, vegetables, and herbs in the slow cooker. Add beef broth and stir in tomato paste to create a rich base. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for consistent flavor throughout.
  4. Cooking low and slow: Set your slow cooker on low heat and let it work its magic for 7 to 8 hours. This slow, steady cooking allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender and the vegetables to soak up all the savory goodness.
  5. Finishing touches: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and remove bay leaves before plating.

Notes

  • Brown the beef first to lock in juices and add caramelized flavor.
  • Don’t skip the herbs like thyme and bay leaves; they add essential earthy notes.
  • Cook on low heat for best tenderness and flavor development.
  • Cut vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Thicken the stew near the end to avoid gluey or overly thick texture.
  • Optional variations: add red wine, swap root vegetables, include mushrooms, use cornstarch for gluten-free thickening, or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, slow cooker, comfort food, hearty meal, easy dinner, gluten free option

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/slow-cooker-beef-stew/