Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect dish for those seeking a hearty and comforting meal with minimal effort. This classic stew is rich in flavor, packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth that makes it an ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Using a slow cooker allows the ingredients to develop deep, rich flavors while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious result.
Prep and Cook Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 8 hours | 8 hours 20 minutes | 4 servings |
Ingredients
| Quantity | 1x (4 servings) | 2x (8 servings) | 4x (16 servings) |
| Beef chuck, cut into cubes | 1 lb (450g) | 2 lbs (900g) | 4 lbs (1.8kg) |
| Carrots, sliced | 2 medium | 4 medium | 8 medium |
| Potatoes, diced | 3 medium | 6 medium | 12 medium |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large | 2 large | 4 large |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 6 cloves | 12 cloves |
| Celery, chopped | 2 stalks | 4 stalks | 8 stalks |
| Beef broth | 4 cups | 8 cups | 16 cups |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | 8 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp | 1 tsp | 2 tsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp | 8 tbsp |
| Flour (for coating beef) | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup | 1 cup |
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring all sides are seared. This adds depth to the flavor.
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
Mince the garlic and set it aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Add the chopped vegetables to the slow cooker over the beef.
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste.
Stir in the garlic, thyme, and bay leaves.
Cover and set the slow cooker on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
Step 4: Final Touches
After cooking, remove the bay leaves and give the stew a gentle stir.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with fresh bread or over rice.
Chef’s Notes
Meat Choice: Use beef chuck or brisket for the best texture and flavor.
Thicker Stew: To thicken the broth, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.
Extra Flavor: Adding a splash of red wine to the broth enhances the depth of flavor.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add mushrooms, green beans, or peas for added nutrition and variety.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
| 350 kcal | 30g | 40g | 10g |
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or cold evenings. Enjoy the rich flavors with minimal effort!
