Making beef stew is made easy with a slow cooker where flavors develop and the beef is tender. The recipe requires beef chuck or stew meat, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, bay leaves, beef broth, red wine, flour, salt, black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh thyme (optional). The beef cubes are browned in a skillet, and aromatics are sautéd. The vegetables and broth are added, and the beef stew cooks for 8-10 hours on low heat or 5-6 hours on high heat. Before serving, a slurry of flour and water is added for a thicker consistency. Serve with crusty bread, parsley, or grated parmesan cheese.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew: A Hearty and Flavorful One-Pot Meal

Introduction:

Nothing screams comfort food like a hearty bowl of beef stew on a chilly day. While it’s a classic comfort food, cooking beef stew can be time-consuming and messy. Fortunately, there’s a solution! This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe is perfect when you want a home-cooked meal with minimum effort. Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to cook beef stew, as it allows the flavors to develop and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to make the perfect slow cooker beef stew.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb. beef chuck or stew meat, cut into small cubes
• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks of celery, sliced
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. water
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the beef

1. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, add half of the beef cubes to the skillet, making sure to move them around to get an even sear.
4. Once the beef is browned on all sides, transfer it to the slow cooker.
5. Repeat with the other half of the beef cubes.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
2. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
4. Add the tomato paste and stir until the vegetables are coated.
5. Add the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to release any browned bits.
6. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.

Step 3: Add the vegetables and broth

1. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the beef broth.
3. Stir everything to combine.

Step 4: Cook the beef stew

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
2. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the flour and water together to make a slurry.
3. Add the slurry to the slow cooker and stir well.
4. The beef stew will start to thicken up.
5. Remove the bay leaves and season with additional salt, pepper, and fresh thyme (if using).

Step 5: Serving the slow cooker beef stew

• Serve the beef stew hot in bowls with crusty bread for dipping.
• You can also top with fresh chopped parsley or grated parmesan cheese if desired.
• If there are any leftovers, cool the beef stew completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freezing for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe is hearty, filling, and the perfect comfort food. By following the steps above, you can make a delicious and flavorful one-pot meal with minimum effort. The tender chunks of beef, combined with the vegetables and savory broth, will make this one of your go-to recipes for dinner. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can prep your meal in advance and come home to a cozy, cooking stew awaiting you. Give this recipe a try, and you won’t be disappointed!