Name: Slow Cooker Recipes: Mastering Hearty Beef Stew Today
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 cups beef broth; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

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There’s something so comforting about coming home to a warm bowl of beef stew, right? Slow cooker recipes have a special magic, especially when it comes to a hearty stew like this one. The long, slow cooking process allows all those flavors—succulent beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs—to meld together beautifully. I remember my grandmother would whip up a batch every Sunday, filling the house with that mouthwatering aroma that made everyone gather around the table. Trust me, the depth of flavor in this slow-cooked beef stew is simply unbeatable. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal waiting for you at the end of the day. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

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Ingredients List

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups beef broth
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

How to Prepare Instructions

Making this beef stew is a delightful experience, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Let’s break it down step by step, so you can nail this recipe perfectly.

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You want that oil shimmering but not smoking—around 375°F (190°C) is ideal. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for about 3–4 minutes until they develop a beautiful brown crust. This browning is crucial as it develops rich flavors that will enhance your stew. Don’t rush this step; it’s all about building that deep, savory goodness!

Step 2: Combining Ingredients

Now, transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. Next, layer in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. It’s important to add the vegetables in this order because the beef needs to sit at the bottom to absorb the juices while the veggies cook evenly on top. Once you’ve added all the solid ingredients, stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This layering technique ensures that everything cooks beautifully together and flavors meld just right.

Step 3: Cooking Process

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting is a great option, but I recommend low for the best flavor. About 30 minutes before serving, check the seasoning and adjust as needed. You can add more salt or pepper to taste. The beef should be fork-tender, and the vegetables will be perfectly cooked too. Trust me, you’ll know it’s ready when the smell fills your kitchen and you can’t resist sneaking a taste!

Nutritional Information

Please note that nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Here’s a typical breakdown per serving (1 cup) of this hearty beef stew:

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 30g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation—just brown the beef and let the slow cooker do the work!
Rich, deep flavors that develop beautifully over hours of cooking.
Perfect for busy days; come home to a warm, hearty meal waiting for you.
Versatile and customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Tips for Success

Choose quality beef chuck for the best flavor and tenderness; look for marbling for extra richness.
Season the beef generously with salt and pepper before browning to enhance its flavor.
Don’t skip the browning step—it adds a depth of flavor that makes all the difference!
Feel free to adjust herbs; fresh herbs like parsley or bay leaves can elevate the flavor even further.
For a thicker stew, add a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Let the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Variations

The great thing about this beef stew is how adaptable it is! You can swap in different vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for a unique twist. Want a bit of heat? Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also bring a lovely brightness to the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors—each variation brings its own charm to this comforting classic!

Serving Suggestions

This beef stew is a meal in itself, but it’s even better when paired with some delicious sides! I love serving it with a slice of warm, crusty bread—the kind you can dunk into that rich, flavorful broth. A simple side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette also complements the hearty stew beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast. You could even whip up some buttery mashed potatoes for an extra comforting touch. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover beef stew is super easy! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.

To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the stew seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to bring back that luscious texture. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Slow Cooker Recipes: Mastering Hearty Beef Stew Today

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A flavorful slow-cooked beef stew with vegetables and herbs.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Brown the beef cubes on all sides.
Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Check seasoning before serving.

Notes

For a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Experiment with different vegetables like peas or green beans.
Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American