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- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced into coins - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups low-sodium beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish (optional) The beef is the star of this dish. I love using beef chuck because it turns tender as it cooks. The carrots and potatoes add sweet and earthy flavors. Garlic and onion bring depth. The broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce tie everything together. Thyme adds a nice herbal note, while the bay leaf boosts flavor. - Slow cooker - Skillet - Mixing bowl Using a slow cooker is key for this stew. It lets the beef and veggies cook low and slow. A skillet helps brown the beef first, which adds flavor. A mixing bowl is perfect for blending the broth and seasonings. - Fresh parsley - Crusty bread or warm biscuits Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and brightness. I also love serving this stew with crusty bread or warm biscuits. They soak up the stew's rich broth, making every bite delightful. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions above. Start by browning the beef cubes. This step adds big flavor to your stew. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5 minutes. When it’s nicely browned, take the beef out and set it aside. For seasoning, use salt and black pepper to enhance the beef's taste. Feel free to add other spices like garlic powder or onion powder. A little bit of seasoning goes a long way in making your beef stew rich and savory. Next, arrange the vegetables in the slow cooker. Start with a layer of chopped onion. This gives a strong base flavor. Then, add sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Spread them evenly across the bottom. Once the veggies are arranged, place the browned beef on top. This helps the beef soak up all the flavors from the vegetables. Now, it's time to add the broth mixture. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and minced garlic. Stir until mixed well. Pour this tasty mixture over the beef and veggies. Toss in a bay leaf for added flavor. Gently stir everything to mix the flavors. You can choose between low and high cooking times. If you set your slow cooker on low, cook for 7 to 8 hours. For high, cook for 4 to 5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender when done. Signs your stew is ready include a rich aroma and tender meat. Make sure to check that the veggies are also soft. About 15 minutes before serving, add in the frozen peas for a nice touch. Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. This hearty meal is perfect for any day of the week. Check out the Full Recipe to get all the details for this delicious slow cooker beef stew! To boost the flavor of your stew, try adding herbs like rosemary or basil. These herbs bring warmth and richness. You can mix and match herbs to find your favorite blend. Additionally, spices like paprika or cumin add depth. Paprika gives a smoky taste, while cumin adds an earthy note. Don't be afraid to experiment with your spice cabinet! Getting the right thickness for your stew is key. If it's too thin, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mixture into the stew and let it cook a bit longer. For a thicker stew, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. Adjusting the flavor profile is simple too. Taste your stew before serving and add salt or pepper as needed. You can also add a splash of vinegar for brightness. Pair your hearty stew with crusty bread or warm biscuits. This keeps meals cozy and comforting. For a colorful touch, ladle the stew into warm bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This makes the dish look beautiful on your table. You can also serve it with a side salad for a refreshing crunch. Enjoy your meal with family and friends! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can switch up the beef for different cuts. Brisket or round beef work well too. They add unique flavors and textures. You can also swap veggies based on what you have. Try mushrooms for a nice earthiness or parsnips for a sweet twist. These changes keep the stew fresh and fun. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free broth. This small change makes the stew safe for all. You can also cut down on salt for a low-sodium version. Just use fresh herbs and spices to boost the flavor without the salt. Want a kick? Add chili flakes for a spicy version. They bring warmth and depth. For something different, try adding red wine. This gives a rich taste similar to coq au vin. Each variation enhances your stew in exciting ways. Experiment and find your favorite. For the full recipe, check out the details above. After making your slow cooker beef stew, allow it to cool. Store the stew in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Use it within 3 to 4 days for the best taste. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to ensure even heating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is great. First, let the stew cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on low heat, stirring often until it's hot. Leftovers from your beef stew can last a few days. In the fridge, they stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you freeze the stew, it can last for 3 months. However, for the best flavor, eat it sooner. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it's best to toss it. To add more flavor, start with good seasoning. Use salt and black pepper on the beef. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also try bay leaves for depth. Brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This step boosts flavor through caramelization. Incorporate garlic and onion for a rich base. You can also add a splash of red wine for extra complexity. Yes, you can use frozen beef. However, it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you're in a hurry, add the frozen beef straight into the slow cooker. Just remember, it may take longer to cook. Make sure the beef reaches 145°F for safe eating. Always check the beef's doneness before serving. Serve your beef stew with crusty bread or warm biscuits. These sides soak up the tasty broth. You can also pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or rice work great too. They add extra comfort and flavor to your plate. For a fun twist, try cornbread on the side. For the full recipe, check out the Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew section. In this blog post, we covered everything you need for a great Slow Cooker Beef Stew. You learned about key ingredients, recommended equipment, and optional garnishes. I gave you step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Variations show how to make your stew unique and suit dietary needs. Remember, you can store leftovers for later enjoyment. Now, get cooking! Enjoy your delicious stew and share it with loved ones.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Savor the comfort of a Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew with this easy, step-by-step recipe! Perfect for chilly nights, this stew combines tender beef, vibrant veggies, and rich broth for a meal the whole family will love. Learn how to create this delicious dish in your slow cooker and enjoy tender meat and flavorful veggies. Click through for the full recipe and tips to make your stew truly unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium carrots, sliced into coins

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups low-sodium beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup frozen peas

Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

    Season the beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, approximately 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      In your slow cooker, create a layer with the chopped onion, followed by the sliced carrots and diced potatoes, spreading them evenly across the bottom.

        Place the browned beef on top of the vegetable layer in the slow cooker.

          In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and minced garlic until thoroughly combined. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.

            Toss in the bay leaf and gently stir everything together to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

              Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

                About 15 minutes before you're ready to serve, gently fold in the frozen peas to add a delightful pop of color and freshness to the stew. Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf to ensure a smoother eating experience.

                  Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Ladle the hearty stew into warm bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve alongside crusty bread or warm biscuits for a comforting and complete meal that invites enjoyment!