Hearty and Homely: Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Few dishes evoke the feeling of comfort and home quite like a bowl of slow-cooked beef stew. Its savory aroma fills the kitchen, promising a rich, warm, and satisfying meal. In this recipe post, we’ll guide you through creating a slow cooker beef stew that’s packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a luscious, flavorful broth.

Ingredients:

For your slow cooker beef stew, you will need:

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cold water

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Begin by coating the beef stew meat in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. This will help thicken the stew as it cooks and add a delightful crust to the beef.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This step enhances the flavor of the beef.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the browned beef, minced garlic, chopped onions, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary for flavor.

Step 4: Pour in Liquid

Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) over the meat and vegetables. The combination of these liquids will create a rich, savory broth.

Step 5: Set and Forget

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it simmer for 7-8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew

About 30 minutes before serving, create a slurry by mixing 1/4 cup of cold water and 1/4 cup of flour. Stir this into the stew to thicken the broth.

Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves and Serve

Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaves. Ladle your hot and hearty slow cooker beef stew into bowls, and savor the delicious aroma and taste.

This slow cooker beef stew is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. The tender beef and a medley of vegetables bathed in a flavorful broth create a heartwarming and satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a taste of home. Enjoy your homemade comfort food, and share it with friends and family for a cozy, memorable meal.