Slow Cooker Beef Stew

$To make a great slow cooker beef stew, you need these key ingredients: - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) These ingredients come together to create a rich and hearty stew. The beef chuck is tender and flavorful, while the vegetables add sweetness and texture. You can add these optional ingredients to boost the flavor of your stew: - 1 cup red wine for depth - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky touch - Mushrooms for an earthy flavor - Celery for a fresh crunch - Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme Using optional ingredients allows you to customize your stew. Experimenting with these additions can lead to exciting new flavors. This beef stew is not only tasty but also filling. Here’s a simple nutritional breakdown: - Calories: Approximately 350 per serving - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 10g This stew offers a good balance of protein and nutrients. The vegetables provide fiber, making it a wholesome meal. The full recipe gives you all the details you need to create this delicious dish. Start by getting all your ingredients ready. You will need: - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Chop your vegetables and set them aside. This makes cooking easier later. Remember to wash your hands before and after handling raw meat. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the skillet and brown it on all sides, about 5 minutes. This step adds great flavor. Once the beef is browned, remove it from heat. In the slow cooker, layer the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes. Place the browned beef on top of the veggies. In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and minced garlic. Stir it well and pour this mixture over the beef and veggies in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaf and gently stir everything to combine. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You want the beef to be very tender. About 15 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the frozen peas. This adds a nice color and sweetness to the stew. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. You may want to adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper. For a lovely finish, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the rich flavors. Enjoy your hearty meal! For the complete cooking process, refer to the full recipe. To make your beef stew great, start with quality meat. I prefer beef chuck. It has the right fat and flavor. Cut the beef into even cubes. This helps it cook well. Sear the beef in olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds depth to the flavor. Layer your veggies well. Place onions, carrots, and potatoes at the bottom. This way, they soak up all the goodness. One common mistake is skipping the browning step. It makes a big difference in flavor. Also, don’t add too much liquid. The beef will release juices as it cooks. Too much broth can make the stew watery. Be careful with salt too. Always taste before adding more. Lastly, don’t rush the cooking time. Stews need slow cooking for tender meat. To boost flavor, add a splash of red wine or extra herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary works wonders. You can also toss in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This adds a nice tang. For a thicker stew, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it in. This will give your stew a lovely, rich texture. Serve with crusty bread. It’s a perfect match for the stew! For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. {{image_2}} You can change the taste by swapping vegetables. Try adding parsnips or sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor. Turnips and butternut squash also work well. Using seasonal veggies makes your stew fresh and fun. You can even add mushrooms for an earthy note. Just cut them into small pieces so they cook well. To make your stew gluten-free, choose gluten-free beef broth. Many broths contain gluten, so check labels. You can also skip the Worcestershire sauce, which may have gluten. For a dairy-free version, ensure your broth and any added ingredients are free from dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy the stew without worries. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount, like half a teaspoon, then taste. You can always add more if needed. For a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These spices will give your stew a warm kick and keep it exciting. For the full recipe, make sure to check the details above. After enjoying your hearty slow cooker beef stew, let it cool. Place the stew in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. If you want to save your beef stew for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When it’s time to enjoy your beef stew again, reheat it properly. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using the stove, heat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir it often to make sure it heats evenly. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water. This will help bring back its creamy texture. Always check the temperature. It should be hot all the way through before serving. For the full recipe, check out the steps and enjoy your cooking adventure! You can thicken your stew using a few simple methods. One way is to mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this mix into your stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Another option is to mash some of the potatoes in the stew. This adds creaminess and helps thicken the broth. Yes, you can use other cuts of beef. Chuck roast is best for slow cooking. However, brisket or round steak also work well. Just ensure the cut has some fat. This fat keeps the beef tender and juicy during cooking. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the stew in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Frozen stew can last for several months. Serve your beef stew with crusty bread for dipping. Mashed potatoes or rice are also great sides. You might enjoy a simple green salad too. These sides balance the hearty flavors of the stew. Absolutely! You can make a vegetable stew instead. Use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes. Add beans for protein and flavor. You can also use vegetable broth to keep it rich and savory. Check out the Full Recipe for tasty ideas! This article covered all you need for slow cooker beef stew. We explored essential and optional ingredients, as well as the nutritional info. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and finish your stew. Tips for perfecting your dish were shared, along with common mistakes to avoid. Variations let you customize flavors and accommodate dietary needs. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating so you can enjoy leftovers. Beef stew is simple and delicious. Now, you’re ready to create a meal that warms the soul.$

Warm up with this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew that’s perfect for cozy nights! With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, this recipe is simple and satisfying. Just prep a few ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the flavors meld together for hours. Ready in just a few steps, this stew makes a comforting meal for family or friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a bowl of comfort today!

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Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium carrots, sliced

3 medium potatoes, diced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth (low sodium)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup frozen peas

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

In the slow cooker, layer the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes.

Add the browned beef on top of the vegetables.

In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and add minced garlic. Stir well and pour the mixture over the beef and veggies in the slow cooker.

Add the bay leaf and stir everything gently to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.