Beef Stew Slow Cooker 4 Hours: Easy and Flavorful Recipe
Creating a delicious beef stew in a slow cooker for 4 hours is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. This method allows you to set it and forget it, resulting in a hearty meal that's perfect for any day of the week.
1. Ingredients for Beef Stew
To make a savory beef stew that cooks perfectly in 4 hours, you'll need:
- 1.5 pounds of stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups of beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 cups of diced potatoes
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of diced 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
-
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the stewing beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker.
-
Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
-
Pour in Broth: Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Make sure the ingredients are well-covered with liquid.
-
Cooking Time: Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 4 hours. Cover with the lid and let it simmer.
-
Optional Thickening: If desired, mix the flour with a little water to form a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the broth.
-
Serve: Once the cooking time is up, discard the bay leaf and serve the beef stew hot. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
3. Tips for Perfect Beef Stew
- Meat Selection: Choose cuts of beef suitable for stewing, such as chuck or round.
- Vegetable Sizes: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Flavor Development: Letting the stew simmer for 4 hours allows flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Conclusion
Enjoy a delicious and comforting beef stew slow cooker 4 hours recipe that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for busy days or lazy weekends, this dish promises tender beef and hearty vegetables in every bite. Try it out and discover why slow-cooked meals are beloved for their convenience and flavor!