Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that slow-cooks to perfection! Perfect for cozy nights and meal prepping.
Ingredients:
Beef & Seasoning:
2 ½ lbs stew meat (chuck roast recommended)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic salt
½ tsp celery salt
¼ cup flour
Cooking Essentials:
3-6 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp cold butter, divided
2 cups yellow onions, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 beef bouillon cubes
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp tomato paste
Vegetables & Herbs:
5 carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 lb baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
2 bay leaves
1 sprig rosemary
1 cup frozen peas
Thickening & Finishing Touches:
¼ cup cold water + 3 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2-3 drops Gravy Master (optional, for deeper color)
Instructions:
Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor:
1. Cut beef into 1-inch cubes, removing any excess fat. Toss with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Coat with flour for a light crust.
2. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches (45 seconds per side). Add more oil as needed. Transfer to slow cooker.
Sauté Aromatics & Deglaze the Pan:
1. Lower heat to medium, melt 1 tbsp butter, and sauté onions for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add ¼ cup beef broth to the pan and scrape up browned bits with a spatula this boosts flavor! Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
Slow Cook to Perfection:
1. Add carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, remaining beef broth, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and rosemary to the slow cooker. Stir well.
2. Cook on LOW for 7½-8 hours or HIGH for 3½-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Final Touches for a Perfect Stew:
1. Add peas in the last 15 minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaves & rosemary sprig.
2. (Optional) Mix ¼ cup cold water + 3 tbsp cornstarch and slowly stir into the stew for a thicker texture.
3. Turn off heat and swirl in 2 tbsp cold butter for a smooth, velvety finish
4. (Optional) Add 3 drops of Gravy Master for a richer color.
Storage & Reheating:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Best Cuts of Beef for Stew:
Chuck roast The best choice for tender, juicy beef!
Rump roast Leaner but still flavorful.
Bottom round Budget-friendly but requires longer cooking.
Pro Tip: You can sear a whole roast for about 8 minutes before cubing it. This keeps the juices locked in while still adding deep flavor!
Perfect for Meal Prep & Cozy Nights!
This hearty slow cooker beef stew is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, meal prepping, or a cozy night in, this comfort food classic is sure to be a hit!
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