Slow Cooker Beef Stew So Easy Anyone Can Do It
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Recipe Overview
Overview
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a delightful recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of tender beef, hearty potatoes, and a medley of vegetables. The process begins with browning the beef, which is essential for developing a rich flavor base. The addition of cornstarch not only helps to create a nice crust on the beef but also thickens the stew beautifully as it cooks.
As the stew simmers, the aroma of garlic and tomato paste fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist. The variety of vegetables, including carrots and celery, adds both texture and nutrition, while the Worcestershire sauce contributes a deep, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish. The careful balance of seasonings, including dried herbs and a touch of sugar, ensures that every bite is satisfying.
What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and the way it allows the slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting. Just set it and forget it! After a few hours, you’ll be rewarded with a hearty stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, making it a go-to recipe for any home cook looking to impress without the fuss.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Season 2 lb of beef stew meat with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Tip: Use cornstarch to give the beef a crust for better texture.
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and brown the beef for about 5 minutes.
Tip: Don't crowd the pan when browning beef; work in batches if necessary.
Cube about 1.5 lb of red potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the browned beef and stir.
Pour in 4 cups of beef broth to deglaze the pan.
Add 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce to the beef broth.
Tip: Adding Worcestershire sauce enhances the beefy flavor.
Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add diced potatoes, pearl onions, cubed carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
Tip: Adding sugar balances the flavors in the stew.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of allspice and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.
Tip: Let the slow cooker do all the work for best results.
Mix 1/4 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to create a slurry.
Tip: Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
Drizzle the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and mix.
Cover and cook for another 30 minutes.
Check that the vegetables are fork tender before serving.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor and texture of the stew.
- •Adding a teaspoon of sugar balances the flavors in the stew.
- •Cornstarch is used to thicken the stew at the end of the cooking process.
- •Using pearl onions adds a unique sweetness to the dish.
