Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Slow cooker beef stew is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for those chilly days when you want a warm and satisfying meal. Made with tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this recipe is easy to prepare and yields delicious results. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making slow cooker beef stew, provide serving suggestions, offer tips on storing leftovers, and answer some frequently asked questions. Ingredients

This recipe calls for the following ingredients:

• • • Stew meat: Begin with two pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces.
    • Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the broth, creating a hearty stew.
    • Seasonings: The beef stew is seasoned with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic, and a bay leaf.
    • Broth: You can use either store-bought or homemade beef broth.
    • Vegetables: This recipe requires carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery.

How to Make Beef Stew In the Slow Cooker

Follow these simple steps to make beef stew in the slow cooker:

1. 1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

1. 1. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This will help seal in the flavors.

1. 1. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.

1. 1. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.

1. 1. Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.

1. 1. Add the carrots, potatoes, frozen peas, beef broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

1. 1. Stir everything together to combine.

1. 1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.

1. 1. Once the beef and vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf.

1. 1. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

1. 1. Serve the slow cooker beef stew hot and enjoy!

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with some delicious accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:

• • Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Serve warm bread on the side to soak up the flavorful broth.

• • Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs well with the tender beef and vegetables.

• • Rice or noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the beef stew over cooked rice or noodles.

• • Side salad: Add some freshness to your plate with a side salad of mixed greens or your favorite vegetables.

Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Stew

If you have any leftovers, you can store slow cooker beef stew in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here’s how to do it:

1. 1. Allow the stew to cool down to room temperature.

1. 1. Transfer the stew into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.

1. 1. Label the containers with the date.

1. 1. Store the stew in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Yes, you can freeze slow cooker beef stew for longer storage. Follow these steps:

1. 1. Allow the stew to cool down completely.

1. 1. Transfer the stew into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags.

1. 1. Label the containers with the date and contents.

1. 1. Leave some room for expansion, as liquids tend to expand when frozen.

1. 1. Seal the containers tightly.

1. 1. Place the containers in the freezer.

Frozen slow cooker beef stew can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Ingredients

To make slow cooker beef stew, you will need the following ingredients:

• • 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

• • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

• • 1 onion, diced

• • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped

• • 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• • 1 cup of frozen peas

• • 4 cups of beef broth

• • 1 bay leaf

• • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

• • 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions (Instructions)

1. 1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

1. 1. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides.

1. 1. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.

1. 1. Sauté the onion and garlic in the same skillet until translucent.

1. 1. Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.

1. 1. Add the carrots, potatoes, frozen peas, beef broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

1. 1. Stir everything together to combine.

1. 1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.

1. 1. Remove the bay leaf.

1. 1. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

1. 1. Serve the slow cooker beef stew hot.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful slow cooker beef stew!

Conclusion

Slow cooker beef stew is a fantastic dish that brings warmth and deliciousness to your table. With its tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich flavors, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that is easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. In a few hours, you’ll be rewarded with a hearty and satisfying beef stew that will keep you coming back for more.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

A1: Absolutely! While beef stew meat is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cuts of meat like chuck roast or bottom round. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

A2: Of course! Feel free to customize the stew by adding your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, celery, or parsnips. Just keep in mind the cooking time for each vegetable.

Q3: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?

A3: Yes, you can. Simply follow the same steps but cook the stew in a large pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef and vegetables are tender.

Q4: Can I double the recipe to serve a larger crowd?

A4: Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q5: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

A5: Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, so adjust the quantities to your taste.