Hearty slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. There’s something truly magical about a warm, flavorful stew simmering away while the aroma fills your home. It brings back fond memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where delicious smells were always a reminder of love and care being poured into every meal. This hearty slow cooker beef stew recipe is designed to capture that comforting feeling and make it accessible for busy weeknights.
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I’ve spent years perfecting this particular hearty slow cooker beef stew, tweaking the ingredients and methods until I reached stew perfection. Forget complicated cooking techniques; this recipe is all about simple steps that result in rich, layered flavors. So, grab your slow cooker, and let’s get started on making a stew that will warm you from the inside out.
Why You Will Love This hearty slow cooker beef stew Recipe
This hearty slow cooker beef stew is a true champion for a number of reasons. For starters, it’s unbelievably comforting. Each spoonful is packed with tender beef, soft vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly relaxed and satisfied.
Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work! Simply toss the ingredients in, set the timer, and walk away. This makes it a perfect solution for busy people who want a home cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
I’ve always found that stews are a fantastic way to use seasonal vegetables, adjusting the recipe to whatever produce is freshest and available. It’s budget friendly, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. This is the hearty slow cooker beef stew recipe that you will continuously return to, creating your own stories and memories with family and friends.
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Ingredients Needed for This hearty slow cooker beef stew Recipe
- Beef: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Potatoes: 2 pounds, Yukon Gold, peeled and cubed
- Beef Broth: 4 cups
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make This hearty slow cooker beef stew Recipe
- 1. Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the seared beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes.
- 4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 10 hours, or on high for 4 5 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
- 6. Add Peas and Finish: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- 7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
How to Serve This hearty slow cooker beef stew Recipe
This hearty slow cooker beef stew is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang that balances the savory flavors.
Consider serving this stew with a side salad for a bit of contrasting freshness. For a heartier meal, accompany it with mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Don’t hesitate to adjust the garnishes to your preference with a sprinkling of fresh herbs.
How to Store This hearty slow cooker beef stew Recipe
Leftover hearty slow cooker beef stew can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for enjoying later. To refrigerate, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen stew will keep for up to 2 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, simply warm the stew in a pot on the stove over medium heat, or in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth if it thickens too much during storage. You can also make it a main dish by serving these hearty stew with Bone In Shank Recipes In Pressure Cooker .
Tips to Make This hearty slow cooker beef stew Recipe
- Sear the Beef Properly: Searing the beef adds a crucial layer of flavor. Ensure your skillet is hot and don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches to get a nice, even browning.
- Don’t Skip the Aromatics: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker brings out their sweetness and mellows their flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Use Quality Beef Broth: The beef broth is the foundation of the stew’s flavor. Choose a high quality broth for the best results.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your stew is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then stirring it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Helpful Notes for This hearty slow cooker beef stew Recipe
- Beef Chuck: Beef chuck is the best cut for slow cooking because it has enough marbling to become incredibly tender and flavorful after hours of simmering. You can find it at most grocery stores or butcher shops.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to your stew, such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have dried thyme or rosemary, you can use Italian seasoning or a combination of other herbs to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Variation of This hearty slow cooker beef stew Recipe
- Spicy Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the stew for a touch of heat.
- Wine Infused Stew: For a richer flavor, add a cup of dry red wine to the stew along with the beef broth. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Mushroom Beef Stew: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the stew along with the other vegetables for an earthy, umami flavor. This goes surprisingly well when you serve it with a cup of Disneyland Hot Chocolate Reciperich Creamy Bliss 3 !
- Sweet Potato Variation: Substitute white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile, while maintaining everything you love about beef stews! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.
What is the best cut of beef for hearty slow cooker beef stew?
Chuck roast is generally considered the best cut for slow cooker beef stew. It has a good amount of marbling, which renders down during the long cooking process, resulting in tender and flavorful beef.
How long does it take to cook hearty slow cooker beef stew?
Typically, hearty slow cooker beef stew needs to cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker model and the size of the beef chunks.
Can I freeze leftover hearty slow cooker beef stew?
Yes, you can freeze leftover hearty slow cooker beef stew. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
What vegetables can I add to my hearty slow cooker beef stew?
Classic vegetable additions include carrots, potatoes, and celery. Other great options are onions, mushrooms, parsnips, and turnips, adding a variety of flavors and nutrients to your hearty slow cooker beef stew.
Conclusion
This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a moment of warmth and comfort in your own kitchen. This heartwarming slow cooker beef stew brings both ease and deep, satisfying flavors to your dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, get your slow cooker ready, and let’s make a memorable, hearty slow cooker beef stew together!
