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Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe – A Hearty and Comforting Meal

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Introduction

Looking for a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make meal? This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for chilly nights and busy schedules. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Slow cooker beef stew has been a beloved meal for generations, bringing families together with its wholesome and homely flavors. The slow-cooking process enhances the taste, making the beef incredibly tender while infusing the broth with deep, rich flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a must-try.

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Dish?

  • Set It and Forget It – Let the slow cooker do the work for you.
  • Rich and Flavorful – A deep, savory taste develops over time.
  • Nutritious & Hearty – Packed with protein and vitamins.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.
  • Perfect for Cold Weather – A warm, comforting meal for winter.

Origin of This Dish

Beef stew has roots in many different cultures, from French Boeuf Bourguignon to Hungarian Goulash. Slow-cooked meat stews date back centuries, as they were a way to tenderize tough cuts of meat while maximizing flavor. The modern version of slow cooker beef stew is inspired by American and European cooking traditions, focusing on simplicity and convenience.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

  • 2 lbs. beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 tablespoons flour (for coating beef)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 3 carrots (sliced)
  • 3 potatoes (diced)
  • 2 celery stalks (chopped)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. In a bowl, toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per batch).
  4. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Assemble the Stew

  1. Add onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
  3. Pour in beef broth, ensuring the ingredients are well covered.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Stew

  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender.
  2. Add frozen peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  2. Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

  • Beef – High in protein and iron, essential for energy and muscle health.
  • Carrots – Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, great for eyesight.
  • Potatoes – Provide fiber, potassium, and sustained energy.
  • Garlic – Contains antioxidants that support heart health.
  • Olive Oil – Loaded with healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Tips:

  1. Sear the beef first – This locks in flavor and enhances texture.
  2. Use fresh herbs if possible – They bring more aroma to the stew.
  3. Let it simmer longer – The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef becomes.
  4. Thicken the broth – If needed, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with water and stir it in.

Mistakes to Avoid:

  1. Skipping the searing step – Browning the beef adds depth to the flavor.
  2. Adding vegetables too early – Some veggies can become mushy if overcooked.
  3. Using too much liquid – The slow cooker retains moisture, so avoid overfilling.
  4. Forgetting to stir before serving – This helps redistribute flavors evenly.

Serving Tips

  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
  • Pair with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Enjoy with a glass of red wine for a classic pairing.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days – it tastes even better the next day!

Interesting Facts About This Dish

  • Beef stew has been enjoyed for centuries, dating back to prehistoric times when slow-cooked meats were essential for survival.
  • The slow cooker was invented in the 1940s to make hearty meals more convenient.
  • Tomato paste enhances the umami flavor of the stew, giving it depth and richness.
  • The dish is often associated with comfort food, perfect for warming up during cold months.

Summarized Recipe

  1. Coat beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper, then sear in olive oil.
  2. Place beef, vegetables, garlic, and seasonings in a slow cooker.
  3. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
  4. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
  5. Add peas in the last 30 minutes, then garnish with parsley.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal!

This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, flavorful, and warming meals. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s a perfect dish for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Enjoy every bite of this cozy, satisfying classic!

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