Ah, Slow Cooker Beef Stew — the ultimate cozy comfort food! Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth all cooked low and slow. Here’s a reliable recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
- 3 tbsp flour (for dredging)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can replace with more broth)
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1–2 bay leaves
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
Instructions:
- Prep the beef:
- Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour.
- Optional: Sear beef in a hot skillet with oil until browned on all sides (adds extra flavor).
- Add to slow cooker:
- Transfer beef to slow cooker.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, celery, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Add liquids:
- Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir to combine.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Finish & serve:
- If desired, stir in frozen peas in the last 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with crusty bread, over rice, or with mashed potatoes.
✨ Tips & Variations:
- For a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into stew 15–20 minutes before serving.
- Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or tomato paste for extra depth in the broth.
- For a richer flavor, sear vegetables lightly with beef before adding to slow cooker.
If you want, I can make a “dump-and-go” version that requires almost no prep — just throw everything into the slow cooker, set it, and come back to a perfect stew.
Do you want me to do that?
