Introduction:
Picture a cozy kitchen, where the aroma of simmering broth and tender beef wafts through the air. Slow Cooker Beef Stew is more than a meal; it’s a homestyle hug that warms you from the inside out. In this culinary embrace, hearty chunks of beef mingle with an array of vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that speaks of comfort, simplicity, and the timeless joy found in a bowl of stew.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the epitome of easy, nourishing cooking. It’s a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful experience. Beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions simmer in a savory broth, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic. Each spoonful is a melody of tenderness and warmth, inviting you to savor the essence of a homestyle kitchen. Perfect for busy days or when you simply crave the familiarity of a well-loved classic.
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 6-8 hours and 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds stew beef, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine the flour with salt and black pepper. Toss the stew beef in the seasoned flour, ensuring each piece is coated.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the floured beef in batches until all sides are seared. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth and red wine (if using) over the beef in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and diced onion to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add frozen peas if using.
- Before serving, remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the Slow Cooker Beef Stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and savor the comforting warmth.
Tips or Notes:
- To make the stew thicker, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- The red wine adds depth to the flavor, but you can omit it if desired.
- Serve the stew with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Customize the vegetables to your liking or add mushrooms for an extra layer of richness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious next-day meal.