why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s easy to make, and you can set it and forget it. Just toss in the ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. The result is a warm, hearty stew filled with tender beef and fresh vegetables. It’s a great way to feed your family or guests with minimal effort.
how to make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, combine beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to mix, then cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- If desired, mix flour with a little water to create a slurry, and add it in the last hour of cooking to thicken the stew.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
how to serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Serve this stew hot in bowls. You can pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top can give it a nice touch.
how to store Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Once the stew has cooled down, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in portions. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for added flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or peas for variety.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more herbs or spices if you like.
- If you want a thicker stew, add the flour slurry as mentioned in the directions.
variation
You can make a version of this beef stew using different meats like chicken or turkey. Additionally, you can switch up the broth for vegetable broth for a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking.
2. Can I cook this stew on high heat?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours instead of 7-8 hours on low.
3. How can I make this stew gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, skip the flour or use a gluten-free thickening agent instead.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A comforting and hearty beef stew easy to make in a slow cooker, perfect for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Combine the beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to mix, then cover and cook on low for 420 minutes or on high for 240 minutes.
- If desired, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry, and add it in the last hour of cooking to thicken the stew.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Brown the beef first for added flavor. You can add other vegetables for variety and adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
