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Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A comforting slow cooker beef stew with tender meat and fresh vegetables perfect for cozy meals.

Easy
500 mins
👥 6 Servings
🔥 350 Cal

Slow Cooker Beef Stew: A Classic Comfort Food

This hearty slow cooker beef stew combines tender chunks of beef chuck with fresh vegetables and savory herbs for a satisfying and flavorful meal. The slow cooking process gently melds the ingredients, producing tender meat and rich broth perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a cozy dinner.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Using a slow cooker lets you prepare a delicious meal with minimal active cooking. You can brown the beef quickly, combine ingredients, set the cooker, and come back to a wonderful stew after several hours. This stew is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients from the vegetables and makes an excellent family dinner or meal prep option.

Tips for the Perfect Stew

To maximize flavor, brown the beef to create a savory crust before slow cooking. Cut vegetables to consistent sizes to ensure even cooking. Adding peas towards the end keeps them vibrant and slightly crisp. Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. This recipe is flexible—swap in your favorite root vegetables or adjust seasonings to taste.

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Ingredients

6
servings
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Nutrition (Total)

Calories
350
Protein
32g
Carbs
30g
Fat
12g

Equipment Needed

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
Slow cooker filled with hearty beef stew garnished with parsley

Before You Start

  • Cut all vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking.
  • Brown beef a day ahead and refrigerate to save time.
  • Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.

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Instructions

1

Brown the beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper. Brown the beef in batches until all sides are golden, then transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 1: Brown the beef
2

Add vegetables and seasonings

Add carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary into the slow cooker with the beef. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 2: Add vegetables and seasonings
3

Pour in broth and cook

Pour the beef broth over the ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

Step 3: Pour in broth and cook
4

Add peas and finish cooking

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas and continue cooking on low until peas are heated through.

Step 4: Add peas and finish cooking
5

Serve and garnish

Taste stew for seasoning, adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

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Chef's Tips

  • For thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for brighter flavor.
  • Brown the beef well for deeper flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use stew meat instead of beef chuck?

Yes, stew meat works well but may be less tender than chuck. Cook longer if needed.

Is it necessary to brown the beef?

Browning adds flavor and texture but you can skip to save time.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, allow stew to cool fully before freezing in airtight containers up to 3 months.

Tags

slow cookerbeef stewcomfort foodeasy dinnerslow cooking

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