
why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food. It features tender beef and vegetables simmered together in a hearty broth. The best part is that you can set it up in the morning and let it cook all day while you go about your tasks. When you come home, a delicious meal awaits you, full of rich flavors and warmth.
how to make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Once browned, transfer to the slow cooker.
- Toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth, followed by the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir!
- Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen! Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is super tender and those veggies are perfectly cooked.
- Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!
how to serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Serve your Beef Stew warm in bowls. You can serve it with fresh bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Garnishing it with fresh parsley adds a nice touch to the presentation.
how to store Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
tips to make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- For extra flavor, let the beef marinate in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight.
- You can add other vegetables like peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
variation (if any)
You can customize this stew by adding different herbs and spices. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. You can also use different cuts of beef or substitute with turkey for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook the stew on the stovetop in a large pot. Simply bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
2. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to brown it properly before adding it to the slow cooker. Make sure to increase cooking time slightly as frozen meat takes longer to cook.
3. What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the stew will change slightly.