Best Stew Recipe Slow Cooker: Delicious and Easy Comfort Food
Looking for the best stew recipe for your slow cooker? Look no further! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious homemade stew that will satisfy your taste buds.
1. Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Stew
To make the best slow cooker stew, you'll need:
- 1.5 pounds of stewing beef, cut into cubes
- 4 cups of beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cups of diced potatoes
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
2. Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients: Place the stewing beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker.
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Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in Broth: Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Ensure that all ingredients are submerged in liquid.
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Cooking Time: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
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Optional Thickening: If desired, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the broth.
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Serve and Enjoy: Discard the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of this comforting stew.
3. Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Stew
- Meat Selection: Choose cuts of beef suitable for stewing, such as chuck or round.
- Vegetable Preparation: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Flavor Enhancement: Letting the stew simmer slowly allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious result.
4. Conclusion
With this best stew recipe for slow cooker, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal with ease. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade stew any day of the week!