Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots Slow Cooker Recipe: Hearty and Delicious Comfort Food

A beef stew cooked in a slow cooker is the epitome of comfort food, especially when packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots. This recipe not only fills your home with tantalizing aromas but also delivers a hearty meal that's easy to prepare. Let's explore how to make beef stew with potatoes and carrots in a slow cooker, perfect for cozy evenings or busy days.

1. Ingredients for Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

To create a delicious beef stew in your slow cooker, gather the following ingredients:

1. Beef

• Stewing Beef: Approximately 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the beef before cooking.

2. Vegetables

• Potatoes: 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed.
• Carrots: 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced.
• Onion: 1 large onion, chopped.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.

3. Broth and Seasonings

• Beef Broth: 2 cups, preferably low-sodium.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
• Bay Leaves: 2 leaves.
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried.
• Rosemary: 1 teaspoon, dried.

4. Flour (Optional)

• All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup, for thickening (if desired).

2. Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Season the beef with salt and pepper. Chop the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic as instructed.

2. Layering in the Slow Cooker

• Place the seasoned beef at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic on top of the beef.

3. Mixing the Broth

• In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.

4. Pour Over Ingredients

• Pour the broth mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

5. Cooking

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.

6. Optional Thickening

• If desired, mix ¼ cup of flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a thicker consistency.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Discard the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the beef stew into bowls and enjoy this hearty dish with crusty bread or over rice.

3. Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1. Meat Selection: Use stewing beef for tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.

2. Vegetable Size: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

3. Flavor Enhancement: Allow flavors to meld by cooking the stew on low heat for a longer duration.

4. Conclusion

This slow cooker beef stew with potatoes and carrots recipe offers a convenient way to prepare a comforting and nutritious meal. Whether you're cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this hearty dish is sure to satisfy. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful beef stew that will warm your soul with every bite.