Beef Stew on High in Slow Cooker

Cooking beef stew on high in a slow cooker can be a time-saving and convenient way to prepare a hearty and delicious meal. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making beef stew on high in your slow cooker:

1. Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 4 cups of beef broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

2. Preparation

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
• Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
• Add beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

3. Cooking on High

• Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high heat.
• Let the beef stew cook on high for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
• About 30 minutes before serving, add sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and frozen peas to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
• Continue cooking on high until vegetables are tender.

4. Adjusting Seasoning

• Taste the beef stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• If the stew needs thickening, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the mixture into the stew and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until thickened.

5. Serving

• Serve hot beef stew in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
• Enjoy this comforting and flavorful beef stew on a chilly day!

6. Storage and Reheating

• Allow any leftover beef stew to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

7. Variations

• Customize your beef stew by adding additional vegetables such as celery, parsnips, or mushrooms.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

8. Tips for Success

• For best results, avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker frequently during cooking to retain heat and moisture.
• Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

9. Nutritional Benefits

• Beef stew is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

10. Enjoy Your Homemade Beef Stew

• Sit back, relax, and savor the delicious flavors of your homemade beef stew cooked on high in the slow cooker.

By following these steps, you can create a flavorful and comforting beef stew using the high setting on your slow cooker, perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week.