This hearty beef stew is perfect for those cozy nights. With tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and peas, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, it cooks while you relax.
I’ve got to say, there’s something magical about letting it simmer all day. The house smells amazing, and you get a tasty meal with hardly any effort. What’s not to love? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is great for stews since it becomes tender when slow-cooked. If you want a leaner option, try sirloin or round roast, but they’ll be less tender.
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are classic choices. Switch it up with parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even turnips for a different twist. You can also add green beans or mushrooms.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is always the best, but store-bought works great too. For a lighter stew, low-sodium or vegetable broth is a good substitute.
Tomato Paste: This adds depth. For a different flavor, you could use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Just adjust the amount since they have different consistencies.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Is Perfectly Tender?
Getting the beef just right in a stew is all about cooking time and temperature. Here’s how to do it:
- Brown the beef first; this adds flavor and helps keep it moist.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours in the slow cooker. The longer cooking time helps break down connective tissue, making the beef tender.
- If using leaner cuts, avoid cooking too long to prevent dryness.
Remember, patience is key! The slow cooking method really helps all the flavors meld together, so don’t rush it.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added near end of cooking)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful beef stew requires about 20 minutes of preparation time. Then, it needs either 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the slow cooker. Once it’s done, you’ll have a heartwarming meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until well coated. This helps to brown the beef and gives it a nice crust.
2. Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re nicely seared. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Add Tomato Paste:
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine with the vegetables, enhancing the flavor of the stew.
5. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the sautéed vegetables and tomato paste mixture to the slow cooker with the beef. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, 4 cups of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
6. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let the stew cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender and flavors are melded together.
7. Finish With Peas:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas (if using) and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bay leaves, sprinkle the beef stew with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful slow cooker beef stew!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal due to its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use cuts like sirloin or round roast. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may not be as tender and might require less cooking time.
How Can I Thicken the Stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove some of the stew, blend it, and then return it to the pot for a heartier texture!
Can I Prepare This Stew in Advance?
Yes! You can chop your vegetables and meat the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just add everything to the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you’re at work or busy with other tasks!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
