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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting, hearty meal featuring tender beef chuck and a medley of vegetables simmered slowly to create rich, deep flavors. This classic stew offers effortless cooking with a perfect blend of savory broth, herbs, and seasonings, making it ideal for cozy dinners or busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized chunks

Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 3–4 fresh sprigs)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Thickening Agents

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
  • 2–3 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the beef chuck into bite-sized chunks and trimming any excess fat. Chop your carrots, potatoes, and onions into similar sizes to ensure even cooking, and mince the garlic.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a hot skillet, sear the beef chunks on all sides until nicely browned. This step locks in juices and adds an irresistible depth to the stew’s flavor—don’t skip it!
  3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Layer the browned beef, vegetables, garlic, and herbs in your slow cooker. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring gently to blend everything together.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and let the stew cook for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. This slow simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender.
  5. Thicken the Stew: Before serving, mix flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the stew. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.

Notes

  • Browning Matters: Browning the beef adds a caramelized, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Even Chopping: Cut vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
  • Herb Timing: Add fresh herbs near the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors.
  • Don’t Overfill: Leave enough space in your slow cooker to allow steam to circulate, ensuring even cooking.
  • Adjust Thickness: Skip thickening if you prefer a soupier stew or add more slurry for a heartier consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, comforting stew, hearty beef stew, easy slow cooker recipe, gluten free beef stew

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