Beef Stew in the Slow Cooker: Easy and Delicious Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Beef stew cooked in a slow cooker is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to enjoy tender beef and flavorful vegetables with minimal effort. Discover how to make beef stew in a slow cooker for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

1. Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

2. Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef stew meat in batches until all sides are seared. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Add beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, frozen peas, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook the Stew: Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
Optional Thickening: If desired, about 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a little water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the stew.
Serve: Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

3. Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Choosing Meat: Use beef stew meat that is well-marbled and suitable for slow cooking to ensure tender results.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Other options include celery, parsnips, or mushrooms.
Flavor Enhancement: For added depth of flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.

4. Conclusion

Beef stew cooked in a slow cooker is a classic comfort food that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. By following this simple recipe and using your slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, slow cooker beef stew will warm you up from the inside out. Gather your ingredients and start cooking this comforting dish today!