Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 505 min
Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups); 3 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup); 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups); 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with additional beef broth); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the beef

Place beef cubes in a large bowl and sprinkle with flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
Sauté the aromatics

In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute. Pour in a small amount of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
Add vegetables and liquids

Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker. Pour in the remaining beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Season with additional salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Slow cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and falls apart easily when pierced with a fork. The vegetables should be soft but not mushy.
Adjust seasoning

About 30 minutes before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for an additional 30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
Serve

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information