Nothing says comfort like a rich and hearty beef stew, especially one that’s made in a slow cooker for effortless cooking. This recipe takes tender chunks of beef, savory vegetables, and a blend of aromatic herbs, and simmers them slowly until every bite is infused with deep flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this stew is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- Beef: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Vegetables: 3 large carrots (sliced), 3 potatoes (cubed), 2 celery stalks (sliced), 1 large onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Seasonings: 2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp rosemary, 2 bay leaves, salt and black pepper to taste
- Liquids: 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup red wine (optional but adds depth), 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Other: 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp olive oil, fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step enhances flavor by caramelizing the exterior. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour the beef broth and red wine over the ingredients, ensuring the beef and vegetables are covered.
Step 4: Cook Slowly
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix 3 tbsp flour with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew to thicken it. Let the stew continue to cook for the remaining time.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the bay leaves, ladle the stew into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with warm, crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
Cooking Tools Highlight:
- Slow Cooker: The star tool for making this dish. It allows for low, slow cooking, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly tender vegetables.
- Skillet: Useful for browning beef and sautéing aromatics to build a deep flavor profile.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching the surface of the slow cooker.