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Slow Cooker Beef Stew: A Comforting Family Favorite

Slow Cooker Beef Stew
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Tender chunks of beef simmered with vegetables in a rich, savory gravy until melt-in-your-mouth tender. This set-it-and-forget-it stew fills your home with amazing aromas and delivers deep, developed flavors!

  • Author: ranime
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on LOW)
  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 carrots, cut into chunks
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Coat beef: Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Sear beef: Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Brown beef in batches (about 3 minutes per side). Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In same skillet, cook onion 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Transfer to slow cooker.
  4. Deglaze: Add ½ cup broth to skillet, scraping up browned bits. Pour into slow cooker.
  5. Combine: Add remaining broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, paprika, bay leaves, carrots, celery, and potatoes to slow cooker. Stir gently.
  6. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW 8-9 hours or HIGH 5-6 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  7. Finish: Stir in peas during last 30 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. For thicker gravy, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water; stir into stew and cook 15 more minutes.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor: Brown meat in batches without crowding
  • Make ahead: Tastes even better reheated next day
  • Freezer-friendly: Stores well frozen for up to 3 months
  • Vegetable variations: Substitute parsnips or turnips for carrots
  • Wine option: Replace 1 cup broth with red wine for richness

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfood.org/slow-cooker-beef-stew-2/