Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
Are you ready to dive into the warm embrace of a Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Stew? This recipe brings all the nostalgic charm and comfort you could desire. Imagine tender beef bathed in a rich, savory broth, mingling seamlessly with vibrant vegetables, and filling your home with an aroma that beckons family and friends to gather around the table. It’s a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience—one that warms your heart and soothes your soul. This stew is perfect for busy weeknights and leisurely weekends alike, making it an easy choice that everyone in the family will adore.
Can you recall the last time you savored a dish so comforting that it made you forget about the world outside?
That first spoonful hits you like a warm hug, captivating your senses with its robust flavors, hearty ingredients, and homey essence. As the beef falls apart with the mere touch of a fork, you can’t help but smile, reminiscing about cozy dinners shared with loved ones. Slow-cooked to perfection, this beef stew isn’t just a recipe; it’s a cherished moment waiting to happen at your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Easy Prep: No complicated techniques here! The straightforward steps of this beef stew recipe mean less time on prep and more time enjoying it.
-
Crowd-Pleaser: Bring people together and watch as they come back for seconds. This stew is genuinely a hit among all ages.
-
Minimal Ingredients: Simple but flavorful ingredients make it accessible, ensuring you can whip it up on short notice.
-
Nostalgic Flavors: Each bite takes you back to family dinners, evoke memories of warmth, laughter, and togetherness.
Ingredients
To create this comforting Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 bay leaves
Each ingredient contributes to the symphony of flavors that will dance in your mouth—the tenderness of the beef, the sweetness of the vegetables, and the delightful embrace of the seasonings come together effortlessly, creating a meal that is as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Timing
Cooking this stew can be both fast and indulgent or slow and luxurious; it simply depends on your mood!
If you’re pressed for time, you can have it simmering in just a few hours. However, if you opt for the slow cooker, let it work its magic over 7-8 hours, allowing the flavors to develop richly.
Trust us—taking the time to let it slow-cook makes every bite worth the wait.
Step-by-Step
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then toss it with flour to coat evenly, shaking off any excess.
- In batches, brown the beef cubes in the skillet until all sides are well-seared, adding more oil if necessary. Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker.
- In the same skillet used for browning the beef, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the garlic and onion until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the beef broth to the skillet and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
- Pour the beef broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker. Stir in the bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and increase the heat to high to thicken the broth if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Remove bay leaves before serving.
As you layer everything into the slow cooker, you’ll feel the anticipation build, both from the delightful mingling of scents and the promise of a hearty meal.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Stew contains about 400 calories. This stew is not just a comfort food but a wholesome meal that encapsulates nourishment and flavor.
Remember, indulging in comfort food now and again isn’t a sin; it’s a reminder that life should be savored, slow-cooked flavors and all!
Healthier Alternatives
Want to make this dish a bit healthier? Consider these swaps:
- Use leaner cuts of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin.
- Substitute olive oil for vegetable oil for a heart-healthy fat option.
- Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt content.
- Add more veggies and decrease the amount of meat to increase fiber content.
These adjustments keep the hearty essence while making it a bit lighter—perfect for the health-conscious diner.
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more indulgent, consider serving your beef stew alongside a crusty piece of artisan bread or over fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious broth. Feeling festive? Serve it on a cold winter night, paired with a glass of robust red wine.
And don’t forget about dessert! A slice of warm chocolate cake or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can round out the meal perfectly.
Common Mistakes
- Overbaking: Ensure you don’t cook it too long after adding peas—nobody likes mushy vegetables!
- Texture Issues: Keep the beef cut uniformly for even cooking; uneven pieces can lead to different textures.
- Messes: Make sure to deglaze the pan properly; it can be the difference between a flavorful broth and a bland one.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your stew is nothing less than excellent!
Storing Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
This Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Stew keeps remarkably well. Store the stew in airtight containers, and it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or can be frozen for up to three months.
To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot. The flavors will only get better as they meld together during storage!
Tempting Readers to Cook It ASAP
Ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Stew?
Don’t wait! Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the comforting embrace of this classic dish. It’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
Your heart (and stomach) will thank you!
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed before browning for even cooking. -
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a splash of red wine or some fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley before serving. -
Is this stew gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour as a coating for the beef. -
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. -
How can I thicken the broth?
You can thicken the broth by adding a cornstarch slurry or letting it simmer uncovered during the last half-hour of cooking.
Now, roll up your sleeves and let the cooking begin!
Print
Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free (with adjustments)
Description
A comforting beef stew filled with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then toss it with flour to coat evenly, shaking off any excess.
- In batches, brown the beef cubes in the skillet until all sides are well-seared, adding more oil if necessary. Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker.
- In the same skillet used for browning the beef, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the garlic and onion until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the beef broth to the skillet and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
- Pour the beef broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker. Stir in the bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and increase the heat to high to thicken the broth if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Notes
Avoid overcooking peas to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
