Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this slow cooker beef stew recipe! This comforting classic is perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, requiring minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum taste. Imagine tender chunks of beef swimming in a rich, savory sauce, infused with the goodness of carrots, potatoes, and your favorite herbs and spices. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this recipe lets your slow cooker do the hard work, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the anticipation of a delicious dinner.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times. This slow cooker beef stew recipe is surprisingly simple, using readily available ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal. Ready to dive into the step-by-step instructions and transform humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece? Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat (chuck roast): 2 1/2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Celery salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
- Olive oil: 3-6 tablespoons
- Cold butter: 3 tablespoons
- Yellow onions: 2 cups, diced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot): 1 cup
- Beef broth: 4 cups
- Beef bouillon cubes: 2
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Tomato paste: 3 tablespoons
- Carrots: 5 medium, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Yukon gold potatoes: 1 1/2 lbs, cut into chunks
- Frozen peas: 1 cup
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: optional, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sear the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
- Prepare and sear the beef. Season the beef cubes with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss in flour to coat. Sear in batches in a large skillet with 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
- Sauté aromatics. In the same skillet, add 1 tsp of butter. Sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up the flavorful bits.
Step 2. Assemble the Stew in the Slow Cooker
- Assemble in slow cooker. Transfer the seared beef and sautéed aromatics to your slow cooker. Add beef broth, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, carrots, and potatoes. Stir to combine.
Step 3. Slow Cook Until Tender
- Slow cook. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Step 4. Final Touches and Serving
- Final touches. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas. For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary (optional).
Read more: Misir Wot: Spicy Ethiopian Lentils Recipe
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen beef in this recipe?
Yes! Just add the frozen beef directly to the slow cooker and increase the cooking time by about an hour.
2. What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for slow cooking as they hold their shape well and become tender.
3. Can I make this recipe in a regular pot on the stovetop?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown the beef first, then simmer on low for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
This slow cooker beef stew recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting and delicious meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a perfectly cooked stew, made easy with the magic of your slow cooker. Now go ahead and savor every bite of this flavorful masterpiece!