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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, simmering with rich flavors and tender beef, perfect for cozy meals.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds beef chunks (preferably chuck roast) Use well-marbled cuts for best flavor.
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced Diced into bite-sized pieces.
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced Adds sweetness to the broth.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Builds a savory base.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances overall aroma.
Flavor Enhancers
  • 4 cups beef broth Keeps the stew moist and flavorful.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Helps build a rich base.
  • 2 leaves bay leaves Infuses flavor during cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon thyme Herb that complements the stew.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
Thickening Agent
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch Used to thicken the stew.
  • water as needed water to mix with cornstarch Create a slurry.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Sear the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Build the base: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pan; sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Transfer to slow cooker: Pour the beef mixture into your slow cooker and add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  2. Thicken the stew: Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water. Stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Serving
  1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy warm! Pair with crusty bread or serve over creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan for proper searing. Allow the stew to rest before serving for deeper flavors. Customize with seasonal veggies or spicy elements as desired.