Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Beef Stew is packed with tender beef, vegetables, and rich, savory flavors. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a no-fuss, satisfying meal!
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas, added in the last 30 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear the Beef (Optional):
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 5-6 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a hurry.
- Layer the Slow Cooker:
- Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the browned beef on top of the vegetables.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables. Add the bay leaves.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add Peas:
- Stir in the frozen peas 30 minutes before serving to heat them through.
- Serve:
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or over rice.
Tips
- Thicker Stew: For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add-Ins: Try adding celery, parsnips, or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
- Freezing: This stew freezes well! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Potassium: 920mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
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