Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Stew (Printable Version)
Tender beef and root vegetables simmered with savory herbs in a slow cooker for a deeply flavorful, comforting meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Vegetables
02 - 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 1 large onion, chopped
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup frozen peas
→ Liquids
08 - 4 cups beef broth
09 - 1/4 cup tomato paste
10 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons red wine (optional)
→ Spices and Herbs
12 - 2 teaspoons salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 2 bay leaves
15 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
→ Thickeners
18 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
19 - 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
# How To Make It:
01 - Place the beef cubes into the slow cooker vessel.
02 - Distribute the carrots, potatoes, celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic evenly over the beef.
03 - In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and the optional red wine until well combined. Pour this mixture over the contents in the slow cooker.
04 - Season the stew with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Add the bay leaves.
05 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 8 hours, or on the high setting for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
06 - Approximately 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the frozen peas.
07 - For a thicker stew, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the stew. Continue to cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the desired consistency is achieved.
08 - Before serving, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's incredibly forgiving, letting the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
- The flavors only deepen with time, making leftovers even more delicious – if there are any!
02 -
- Searing the beef first, even for a few minutes, makes an incredible difference in the depth of flavor – it's worth the extra step if you have time.
- Always taste your stew before serving and don't be shy about adding a little more salt or pepper; flavors can mellow during slow cooking.
03 -
- Invest in quality beef broth; it truly forms the soul of your stew, so don't skimp here.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid of your slow cooker too often, as each peek adds about 30 minutes to the cooking time.