There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, flavorful beef stew simmering away in the slow cooker. The aroma that fills the kitchen is an invitation to warmth and coziness, and the end result is a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a chilly day.
The beauty of slow cooker beef stew lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste with different vegetables, herbs, and spices https://gmacker.com/.
Here’s a basic guide to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds stew beef, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
- Frozen peas (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- If desired, add the potatoes and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until tender.
- Stir in frozen peas (if using) and cook for 5 minutes more.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Tips:
- You can brown the beef in the slow cooker instead of a skillet, if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, use red wine instead of some of the beef broth.
- Add other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or mushrooms.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, paprika, or oregano.
- Thicken the stew with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
With its ease of preparation and endless customization options, slow cooker beef stew is a weeknight hero that’s sure to please the whole family. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure comfort food!
