Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a delicious and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week. This comforting dish warms you up from the inside out, making it a favorite in many homes. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors, it’s a meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Plus, it cooks slowly while you go about your day, which means you can come home to a warm, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a great choice for several reasons. First, it requires only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy days. Second, cooking it in a slow cooker allows the flavors to blend beautifully over time, resulting in a rich, savory stew. Finally, this dish is also versatile – you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. It’s a meal that pleases both families and guests alike!

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Making Slow Cooker Beef Stew is straightforward. Here’s how you do it:

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast)
4 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (cut into bite-sized chunks)
10 ounces pearl onions
4 medium carrots (sliced)
4 medium celery ribs (sliced)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup cold water

Directions:

Dust 2 pounds of beef stew meat with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and sear for 5 minutes, until all sides are browned.
Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Carefully transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, pearl onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice. Stir to combine.
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Stir until completely dissolved and slowly pour into the stew. Stir constantly and let cook for 30 more minutes until thickened.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew hot, along with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. It makes a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a fresh green salad for added veggies.

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Stew

You can easily store leftovers of this stew. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. Just make sure to defrost it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

For even more flavor, you can add red wine to deglaze the pan instead of broth.
If you like a thicker stew, adjust the cornstarch, or add more during the cooking process.
Feel free to use other vegetables like peas or green beans for variety.

Variation

You can make a different version of this stew by using different types of meat, such as chicken or pork. You can also add other herbs and spices according to your taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
- Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it may take longer to cook. Thaw it before cooking for the best results.
Can I add more vegetables?
- Absolutely! Adding more vegetables can enhance the nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I make it less salty?
- To reduce saltiness, use low-sodium broth and adjust the Worcestershire sauce to your taste.