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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew
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Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Beef Stew, a hearty one-pot meal featuring tender beef chuck, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth. Perfect for effortless cooking, this recipe melds deep flavors with minimal prep, making it an ideal meal for families or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Broth

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 to 2 inch chunks
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)

Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional for Thickening

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck into even chunks about 1 to 2 inches each. Pat them dry thoroughly to ensure better browning and caramelization during searing.
  2. Sear the Meat: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef pieces on all sides to lock in juices and add rich flavor to the stew.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: While searing the meat, peel and cut carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
  4. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the seared beef at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the chopped vegetables on top, add minced garlic, fresh herbs (thyme and bay leaves), tomato paste, and pour in the beef broth and red wine if using. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without disrupting the layers.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are perfectly softened.
  6. Final Seasoning and Thickening: Once cooked, taste and adjust the salt and pepper. To thicken the stew, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew. Allow it to cook for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your preference.

Notes

  • Brown the Beef First: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor and improves the texture of the stew.
  • Do Not Overcrowd Slow Cooker: Leave space for even heat circulation to ensure consistent cooking results.
  • Add Delicate Vegetables Later: Add peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking to keep their color and freshness.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs added near the end give brighter and more vibrant flavors than dried herbs.
  • Save Broth for Leftovers: Keep extra broth before thickening to turn leftovers into delicious soup if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, comfort food, hearty stew, easy dinner, one-pot meal, beef stew recipe

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