Easy Beef Stew Recipe: Slow Cooker Perfection
Are you craving a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy beef stew? Look no further! This slow cooker recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a rich and savory gravy, all with minimal effort. Perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe is a winner. Let's dive into the simple steps to achieve slow cooker perfection!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. Choose a cut with good marbling for maximum tenderness.
- 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion works best.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped. This adds a subtle sweetness and texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced if needed.
- 4 cups beef broth. Low sodium is preferred to control the saltiness.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Adds acidity and body to the stew.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Enhances the depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. These herbs are crucial for that classic beef stew aroma.
- 1 bay leaf. Adds a subtle savory note.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning based on your preference and the sodium content of your broth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef, optional but recommended)
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional, add during the last hour of cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed for simplicity and ease. Even beginner cooks can master this!
Step 1: Browning the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
While not strictly necessary, browning the beef in a little olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker adds a significant depth of flavor. Simply heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches. This step helps to sear the outside of the beef, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Step 2: Assembling the Stew
Add the browned beef (or un-browned beef) to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. If adding potatoes, add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker stew: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Add 1 cup of pearl barley or other grains during the last hour of cooking for added heartiness.
This easy slow cooker beef stew recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The long, slow cooking process results in incredibly tender beef and a rich, flavorful gravy. Enjoy!
