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Cozy Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew

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A comforting and easy slow cooker beef stew with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 medium potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch until a crust forms. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  4. Stir tomato paste into the skillet with a splash of beef broth to loosen it, then pour into the slow cooker along with the remaining beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
  5. Add cubed potatoes on top in the slow cooker and gently stir to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas and let warm through.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If stew is too thick, add a splash of broth or water; if too thin, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to reduce.
  9. Optional: For thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Notes

Browning the beef before slow cooking adds richer flavor and better texture. Add peas near the end to keep their color and texture fresh. Adjust seasoning at the end for best flavor. For gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with coconut aminos. To thicken stew, use cornstarch slurry or reduce liquid by cooking uncovered.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, hearty beef stew, comfort food, easy beef stew, crockpot stew, family dinner, cozy meals

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/cozy-hearty-slow-cooker-beef-stew-recipe-easy-comforting-meals/