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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting and hearty meal that combines tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and rich seasonings cooked slowly to develop deep, savory flavors. Ideal for busy nights or cozy weekends, this easy recipe delivers nourishment and mouthwatering taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks

Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the beef into even-sized chunks. Peel and chop carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions. Mince the garlic. Gather thyme, bay leaves, tomato paste, and seasonings to ensure everything is ready for easy assembly.
  2. Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef pieces on all sides until browned. This step adds caramelized flavor and improves the depth of the stew but can be skipped for convenience.
  3. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the browned (or unbrowned) beef at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and garlic on top. Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef and melds the flavors beautifully.
  5. Final Touches: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves and stir gently to redistribute ingredients evenly.

Notes

  • Brown the meat to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Cut vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Do not overfill the slow cooker; keep it about two-thirds full for proper heat circulation.
  • Use fresh herbs if possible for more vibrant flavors.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end since salt and spices intensify during slow cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, slow cooker, comfort food, hearty meal, gluten free, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/slow-cooker-beef-stew/