Slow Cooker Beef Stew (Printable Version)
Tender beef and colorful root vegetables simmered slowly for deep, comforting flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
05 - 1 large onion, chopped
06 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids
08 - 4 cups low sodium beef broth
09 - 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can be replaced with additional broth)
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
11 - 2 tsp salt
12 - 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1½ tsp dried thyme
14 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
15 - 2 bay leaves
→ Thickener
16 - 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional)
→ Garnish
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
# How-To:
01 - Season beef cubes evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear beef cubes in batches until browned; transfer to slow cooker.
03 - Add carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic into the slow cooker with the beef.
04 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine if using, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves; pour mixture over ingredients in slow cooker.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
06 - If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before completion and cook on high until thickened.
07 - Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It fills your house with the kind of smell that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking whats for dinner.
- You can dump everything in before work and come home to a meal that tastes like you tried much harder than you did.
02 -
- Don't skip the searing step if you have time, the caramelized bits on the beef add a depth you can taste in every spoonful.
- If your stew tastes flat at the end, a pinch of salt and a splash of vinegar will wake everything up.
03 -
- Add the cornstarch slurry only if you want a thicker stew, some people prefer it brothy and that's just as good.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end brightens the whole pot without tasting like vinegar.