Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting classic American dish, featuring tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors simmered to perfection. Perfect for a cozy meal, this stew requires minimal hands-on time and yields a satisfying, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Stew Base
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated, which helps in browning and thickening the stew.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes for about 3–4 minutes per batch until browned on all sides to lock in flavor. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion into the slow cooker with the beef. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to build the stew’s rich flavor base.
- Add Broth and Cook: Pour in the beef broth, stirring everything to combine well. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Final Touches: About 15 minutes before serving, stir the frozen peas into the stew and let them heat through. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh flavor contrast. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine or broth after browning the beef and add the liquid to the slow cooker.
- The stew thickens naturally, but for a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Using gluten-free flour and broth makes this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
