Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew

$- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into uniform 1-inch cubes - 4 large carrots, sliced into thick rounds - 3 celery stalks, diced into small pieces - 1 large onion, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced finely - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces - 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended) - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 bay leaf - 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for flavor) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can add some fun twists to your stew. Consider these options: - 1 cup frozen peas for sweetness - 1 cup green beans for crunch - 1 cup mushrooms for earthiness - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for depth Seasoning makes your stew shine. Besides thyme and rosemary, try these: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky touch - 1 teaspoon dried oregano for a herb boost - A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat - Fresh herbs like dill or basil for bright flavor Feel free to mix and match these ingredients. The key is to find what you love! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by cutting the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. This helps the meat cook evenly. Next, season the cubes with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step adds a strong flavor to your beef, making it taste great. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes. Do this in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes, turning it with tongs. This browning step is key. It locks in the juices and adds a rich flavor to the stew. After browning, transfer the beef to your slow cooker. Then, add in the sliced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes. Make sure everything is mixed well. This mix of vegetables gives the stew a hearty texture. Pour 4 cups of beef broth over the mixture in the slow cooker. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine. Then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Place a bay leaf in the mix for extra flavor. Secure the lid and set your cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Cooking on low makes the beef tender and juicy. When the cooking time is up, stir the stew well. Taste it and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Don’t forget to take out the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and top with fresh parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your hearty meal! To boost the taste of your stew, start with seasoning. Use salt and pepper on the beef before cooking. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary when you combine the ingredients. You can also toss in a splash of red wine for depth. A spoonful of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Lastly, let it cook slowly. This helps all the flavors mix well. Browning the meat is key. When you sear beef in the skillet, it forms a crust. This crust adds a rich taste to the stew. It also keeps the meat juicy. Never skip this step; it makes a big difference. For best results, cook in batches. This prevents steam from forming, which can stop browning. You can swap ingredients based on what you have. If you don’t have beef chuck, try brisket or stew meat. For veggies, use mushrooms or green beans instead of carrots or celery. You can also use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor. Just keep in mind that these changes can affect the stew's taste. Serve your hearty beef stew in big bowls. Top each bowl with fresh parsley for color. I love to pair it with crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can also add a simple salad on the side. This adds freshness and balances the rich stew. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings! Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: Opt for beef chuck as it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. It’s perfect for stews. Layer Flavors: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the stew's overall flavor. Don't skip this step! Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Storage Tips: This stew freezes well! Portion it out and store in airtight containers for a quick meal later. {{image_4}} You can easily change the stew by adding different vegetables. Think about using parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes. Each vegetable gives a unique flavor and texture. You could also add green beans or peas for a pop of color. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces to match the other veggies. Beef chuck is great, but you can also try other proteins. If you want a lighter stew, use chicken thighs. They cook well in a slow cooker. For a fun twist, use lamb or pork. Both add a different taste that can surprise your guests. Just remember, different meats may need slight changes in cooking time. You can really play with flavors in this stew. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. If you prefer herbs, try adding fresh parsley or basil. You can also use a mix of spices like cumin or coriander for a different flair. These changes make every pot of stew an adventure. To store your leftover stew, let it cool first. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container. This helps the stew stay safe and tasty. You can freeze beef stew for later. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. Label each bag with the date. This way, you know when to use it. Beef stew can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat your stew, take it out of the fridge or freezer. For fridge leftovers, heat on the stove over medium heat until warm. Stir often. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Always check the temperature. It should be hot all the way through for safe eating. Yes, you can skip browning the meat. It will still cook well. However, browning adds more flavor. When you brown the meat, it creates a nice crust. This crust gives the stew a rich taste. If you want a quicker option, just add the beef directly to the slow cooker. To thicken your beef stew, you have a few choices. You can mix some cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mix into the stew near the end. Let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken. You can also use mashed potatoes or add a little flour. Both will help make your stew thicker and heartier. Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this stew. They save time and are easy to use. Just add them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Keep in mind they may cook faster than fresh veggies. Check for doneness as the stew cooks. Beef stew pairs well with many sides. A crusty bread is a great option for dipping. You can also serve it with rice or mashed potatoes. A simple green salad adds freshness and balance. Choose what you enjoy most! Yes, you can make this stew on the stovetop. Use a large pot and follow the same steps. Cook on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally and check the meat's tenderness. This method will still create a tasty stew, just faster than the slow cooker. This blog post covered how to make a hearty beef stew in a slow cooker. We explored main and optional ingredients, seasoning, and step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned tips like browning the meat for better flavor and ways to customize your stew. Storing leftovers and reheating tips were also provided. In making this stew, you can create a warm meal that fits your taste. Enjoy this dish with family and friends. It can be a comforting classic in your home.$

Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew

A comforting and flavorful beef stew slow-cooked to perfection with hearty vegetables.

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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 lbs beef chuck, cut into uniform 1-inch cubes
4 large carrots, sliced into thick rounds
3 stalks celery, diced into small pieces
1 large onion, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced finely
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 leaf bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for flavor)
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and sear until well browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total.
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add in the sliced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes.
Pour the beef broth over the ingredients. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary, and tuck the bay leaf into the mixture.
Secure the lid on the slow cooker, setting it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Once the cooking time is complete, give the stew a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Keyword beef stew, hearty, slow cooker