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- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 carrots, peeled and sliced - 3 potatoes, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bay leaf - 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end) When I cook beef stew, I always start with fresh ingredients. The beef stew meat comes first. I like to choose a good cut, like chuck roast. It breaks down well during cooking and adds flavor. Then, I grab some carrots and potatoes. They add sweetness and heartiness to the stew. Onions and garlic give a great base flavor. I never skip them. For broth, I use beef broth for a rich taste. Tomato paste adds depth, while Worcestershire sauce brings a savory note. Herbs like thyme and rosemary add aroma. I season with salt and pepper to make everything pop. Olive oil helps with browning the meat. Lastly, I add a bay leaf for extra flavor. For this recipe, you will also need a slow cooker and some basic kitchen tools. These ingredients and tools make cooking easy and fun. If you want the full recipe, check the details above. To start, I heat olive oil in a large skillet. I season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. It’s key to sear the meat on all sides until browned. This step takes about 4-5 minutes. Searing helps deepen the stew's flavor. Next, I layer the browned beef in the slow cooker. I add chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes. This mix creates a colorful and hearty base for my stew. In a bowl, I combine beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf. I whisk this until well mixed. Then, I pour the broth mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker. This blend will soak into the ingredients as they cook. Now, I set the slow cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. During this time, I check the doneness of the beef and vegetables. The goal is tender meat and soft veggies that melt in your mouth. About 30 minutes before serving, I stir in frozen peas. This adds a nice pop of color and sweetness. I also taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. More salt or pepper may be required for the perfect flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete details above. To make your beef stew taste fantastic, start by searing the meat. When you brown the beef, it builds a rich flavor. This step is key. I recommend using high heat and a little olive oil. A splash of red wine can add more depth. It brings a nice richness to the dish. If you want a thicker stew, there are a few easy ways to do it. You can create a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it in. Another method is to mash some of the veggies in the stew. This helps to thicken it naturally. You might also use less broth for a heartier texture. This makes each bite more satisfying. When serving your stew, think about great pairings. Crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the juices. Mashed potatoes also make a perfect side. They add creaminess and comfort. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. This adds color and freshness. Enjoy your meal with family and friends! {{image_2}} You can change up the vegetables in your stew. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans. These options bring new colors and flavors. In the fall, use root veggies like parsnips or sweet potatoes. In the spring, add fresh peas or asparagus for a bright taste. If you want a twist, swap the beef for chicken or pork. This change gives the stew a different flavor. Chicken cooks faster, so check the time. For a vegetarian stew, use lentils or chickpeas. They add protein while keeping it hearty. Experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding paprika for a smoky taste or bay leaves for depth. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This change will alter the flavor profile and make it lighter. For the full recipe, refer to the initial section. To keep your Slow Cooker Beef Stew fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerate: Place the stew in an airtight container. It stays good for about 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down first to avoid condensation. - Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the stew. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It lasts up to 3 months. Lay bags flat in the freezer for easy stacking. Reheating your stew is easy. You can use a stove or microwave. Here’s how: - Stove: Pour the stew into a pot. Heat over medium-low heat. Stir often and heat until warm. This keeps the flavor intact. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots. To maintain flavor and texture: - Add a splash of beef broth or water if it gets too thick. - Stir well to mix any settled ingredients before serving. You can store Slow Cooker Beef Stew in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just label it with the date for easy tracking. It is not safe to leave the stew cooking overnight on low. Most slow cookers recommend cooking for no more than 8 hours. If you need to cook longer, consider using a programmable slow cooker. This way, you can set a timer to switch to warm after the cooking time is up. Slow Cooker Beef Stew pairs well with several sides. Here are some tasty options: - Crusty bread for dipping - Mashed potatoes for a comforting touch - A fresh green salad for a light contrast - Rice to soak up the stew's juices Yes, you can easily make this stew gluten-free. Just swap out regular beef broth for gluten-free broth. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check your tomato paste for gluten. These simple swaps let you enjoy this tasty dish without worry. For beef stew, look for cuts that are tender and flavorful. Good options include: - Chuck roast, which becomes really tender - Brisket for a rich taste - Round steak for a lean choice These cuts break down well during slow cooking, giving you a delicious stew. This beef stew recipe is easy to follow and full of flavor. You learned about the key ingredients, kitchen tools, and steps to make it right. Remember to sear the meat for added taste and adjust seasonings for your preference. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or proteins. With these tips, you can create a delicious meal in your slow cooker. Enjoy every comforting bite and share it with family or friends! Your cooking can bring people together, and there's nothing better than a warm stew to do just that.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Warm up your kitchen with this mouthwatering savory slow cooker beef stew! This easy recipe features tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs, all simmered to perfection. In just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does the magic. Perfect for cozy dinners, this stew is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your family’s new favorite meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 carrots, peeled and sliced

3 potatoes, diced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 bay leaf

1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Instructions
 

Prep the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Sear the meat on all sides in the skillet until browned (about 4-5 minutes). This step enhances the flavor of the stew.

    Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef, chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes.

      Mix the Broth: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf until well combined. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.

        Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. If you prefer a quicker option, set to high and cook for 4 hours.

          Add Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the stew, stir, and let them warm through.

            Final Touches: Once the stew is cooked, remove the bay leaf and taste; adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 8 hours | 6 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in deep bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair with crusty bread for a hearty meal!