Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew

$- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds - 3 medium potatoes, cubed - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end) To make a great beef stew, you need good ingredients. The star is beef chuck. It has fat and flavor, making the stew rich. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Next, grab some carrots. They add sweetness and color. Slice them into rounds so they cook well. Potatoes are a must too. Use three medium ones, cubed, to soak up the broth. Onion and garlic bring depth to the dish. Chop one large onion and mince three garlic cloves. They will make your kitchen smell amazing. Now for the liquids! Four cups of beef broth create a savory base. Add two tablespoons of tomato paste for richness and color. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy kick. Herbs and seasonings tie it all together. Use one teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary. A bay leaf adds more flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Lastly, two tablespoons of olive oil will help brown the beef. Add one cup of frozen peas at the end for a burst of color and sweetness. With these ingredients, you can create a hearty dish that warms the soul. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef in batches. Brown the pieces for about five minutes. This caramelizes the beef and builds flavor. Once done, transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about two to three minutes. You want them to become fragrant and translucent. This step makes your stew taste amazing. After that, transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Now it's time to layer the vegetables. Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes on top of the beef and onion in the slow cooker. This order helps the flavors mix well. Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Set your slow cooker to low for eight hours or high for four to five hours. The low setting makes the beef super tender. The high setting works, but you may lose some tenderness. Either way, cook until the beef is soft and the vegetables are cooked through. About thirty minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix them in. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Finally, remove the bay leaf. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your hearty meal! To boost the taste, you can adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed. You can also mix in a bit of paprika or cayenne for a kick. Fresh herbs bring bright flavors. If you use fresh thyme or rosemary, chop them finely and add them near the end of cooking. Dried herbs work well, too, but add them earlier for a deeper flavor. You want the beef to be tender, so browning is key. This step adds flavor and helps the beef stay juicy. After cooking, it should fall apart easily. For the vegetables, you want them cooked but not mushy. Carrots and potatoes should hold their shape. Cut them into even pieces for consistent cooking. Don't overfill your slow cooker. Leave some space at the top to let steam escape. This helps everything cook evenly. If you use a tougher cut of beef, add extra cooking time. Cuts like brisket need longer, while tender cuts like sirloin cook faster. Always check for doneness before serving. Pro Tips Sear the Beef: For maximum flavor, make sure to sear the beef until it’s deeply browned. This caramelization adds a rich depth to your stew. Layer Wisely: When layering ingredients in the slow cooker, place denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom for even cooking. Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the broth mixture for an extra layer of flavor that complements the beef beautifully. Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up some ingredients in this beef stew. If you want to explore, try different vegetables. Instead of carrots and potatoes, use sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even turnips. These will add unique flavors and textures. You can also add bell peppers or mushrooms for a fun twist. When it comes to the beef, beef chuck is great, but you can use other cuts. Brisket or round steak also works well. Just remember that tougher cuts need longer cooking times. If you use lean cuts, cook for less time to keep them tender. If you need gluten-free options, skip the Worcestershire sauce, as some brands contain gluten. You can replace it with coconut aminos or a homemade mix of soy sauce and vinegar. This keeps the flavor profile while making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets. For low-carb or keto-friendly versions, replace potatoes with cauliflower. Simply mash it or cut it into chunks. This keeps the stew hearty without the carbs. You can also add more green beans or zucchini for extra veggies without the carbs. To add a twist to your stew, play with spices. Try adding smoked paprika or cumin for a warm flavor. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce for some heat. For international flair, consider adding soy sauce for an Asian twist. You might also include herbs like cilantro or basil. Another option is to use curry powder for a unique taste. This lets you enjoy a different version of hearty slow cooker beef stew. You can keep hearty slow cooker beef stew in the fridge for about 3 days. Be sure to store it in a tight container to keep it fresh. Let the stew cool before sealing the container. This helps avoid steam build-up, which can make the stew soggy. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some stew for later. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container. This allows the stew to expand as it freezes. When you’re ready to eat it, move the stew to the fridge to defrost overnight. For quicker results, you can use the microwave. Just make sure to stir it often while reheating. To keep the stew's flavor and texture, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir it gently to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave-safe bowl if you prefer that method. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Aim for portion sizes of about one cup. This is perfect for a meal and makes it easy to reheat just what you need. Yes, you can cook beef stew on high. It takes about 4 to 5 hours. This is shorter than cooking on low, which takes about 8 hours. Cooking on high can work well if you’re short on time. Just make sure the beef is tender before serving. You have many great options for sides. Here are a few ideas: - Crusty bread for dipping. - Mashed potatoes to soak up the stew. - A fresh green salad for crunch. - Rice for a filling addition. - Steamed vegetables for color and nutrition. Yes, you can make this stew ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, place it in a safe container. It can last for about 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Absolutely! Beans and lentils add protein and fiber. You can add a can of beans or 1 cup of lentils. If you add lentils, toss them in during the last hour of cooking. This helps them cook just right without turning mushy. To thicken your stew, you can use a few methods: - Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in. - Mash some of the potatoes in the stew. - Simmer the stew uncovered for the last 30 minutes. These methods will help you achieve a nice, thick consistency. This blog post showed you how to make a delicious slow cooker beef stew. You learned about key ingredients like beef chuck and vegetables. I explained step-by-step instructions for preparation, cooking time, and finishing touches. You discovered tips to enhance flavors and variations to customize your stew. Finally, I shared storage info for keeping your stew fresh. Now you can enjoy a hearty meal anytime. Go ahead, try it out, and savor every bite.$

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A comforting and hearty beef stew made in a slow cooker, perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
3 medium potatoes, cubed
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 leaf bay leaf
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Instructions

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for about 5 minutes until caramelized on all sides. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker when done.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker on top of the beef and onions.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the slow cooker and stir gently.
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve with fresh parsley for garnish if desired.

Keyword beef stew, comfort food, slow cooker