Oh, hey there, fellow food lover! If you’re anything like me, then there’s just something about a cozy bowl of beef stew that warms the heart and soothes the soul, right? This isn’t just any beef stew—this is the best slow cooker beef stew you’ll ever make! I’m telling you, I could have it for dinner every night and never get tired of it. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug while it simmers away.
I still remember the first time I prepared this stew. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I came home from a long day at work, exhausted. As soon as I walked in the door, the incredible aroma from the slow cooker wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. My family couldn’t wait to dig in, and with each spoonful, our conversations turned from mundane routines to memories shared over household meals. Let’s dive into this cozy, hearty recipe—it’s the perfect companion for those slow, lazy weekends or any day you need a little extra warmth!
What’s in The Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
Let’s talk about what goes into this comforting goodness! Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you need. Don’t worry, it’s nothing fancy—just deliciousness!
Beef Chuck: This is the star of the show! I use 2 lbs of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. It’s perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers away.
Beef Broth: Four cups of rich beef broth add depth to the stew. I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the seasoning better.
Potatoes: Four medium potatoes, peeled and diced. They soak up all the delicious flavors and make the stew heartier!
Carrots: Three sliced carrots add a touch of sweetness and nice color to the dish.
Onion: One chopped onion for that classic base flavor that makes everything better.
Garlic: Two cloves minced. Because who can resist the aroma of garlic cooking away?
Frozen Peas: One cup of frozen peas thrown in for a pop of color and a little sweetness.
Tomato Paste: Just two tablespoons help to round out the stew and enhance its flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Two tablespoons of this magical sauce add a depth of umami flavor.
Dried Thyme and Dried Rosemary: One teaspoon of each, they bring a lovely herbal note to the stew.
Salt and Pepper: To taste—because let’s face it, seasoning is the key!
Olive Oil: Two tablespoons for browning the beef and adding richness to the dish.
Cornstarch: Optional for thickening—mix it with water to create a slurry if you like a thicker stew.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish—a little freshness at the end makes everything pop!
Is The Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew Good for You?
Of course, let’s talk about health! This stew is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a relatively nutritious meal.
Beef Chuck: While lower in fat compared to other cuts, it’s also high in protein, which is great for muscle maintenance and overall energy.
Vegetables: With potatoes, carrots, and peas, you’re getting a hearty dose of vitamins and minerals. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, and potatoes are a solid source of potassium.
Olive Oil: This healthy fat adds flavor and is known for its heart-healthy properties.
Of course, be mindful of the sodium in the broth and Worcestershire sauce. You can always use low-sodium versions and adjust the salt to your taste. Overall, this stew checks a lot of boxes for comfort and nutrition!
What You’ll Need
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
– 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 6-8 hearty portions.
How to Make The Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
Time to get cooking! Here’s how to whip up this wonderful stew:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the beef cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is key because it locks in all those delicious flavors!
2. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker. Then, add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and frozen peas. Just the sight of this colorful mix is enough to make you smile!
3. In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this savory mixture over the meat and veggies.
4. Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 7-8 hours—or for a quicker option, on high for 4-5 hours. The goal is tender beef and cooked-through veggies.
5. If you prefer a thicker stew (who wouldn’t?), mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve that perfect consistency.
6. Before serving, taste your stew and adjust any seasoning if you need. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley—it’s the cherry on top that brings everything together!
Serve It Up, Buddy!
Here’s my little secret: this stew pairs fabulously with crusty bread or a side salad. I sometimes throw in a splash of red wine for extra heartiness—just imagine how delicious that would be!
Make sure you take a moment to enjoy the beautiful aroma wafting through your kitchen before diving into your bowl of goodness. I can hardly wait for you to try it!
So, grab your slow cooker and get ready to embrace the cozy vibes of homemade beef stew! I’d absolutely love to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
