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Here is what you need for a rich and hearty beef stew: - 2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium for better flavor control) - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into coins - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening) You can swap out some ingredients if you need to. Here are some ideas: - Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter taste. - Sweet potatoes work well instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor. - If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. - You can replace beef chuck with brisket or even pork for a different taste. - If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This stew is not just tasty, but it also packs in some good nutrition. Here’s a quick look: - Calories per serving: About 300-400 depending on serving size - Protein: Approximately 25g, great for muscle health - Fat: Around 15g, mostly from the beef and olive oil - Carbohydrates: About 30g, from the veggies and potatoes - Fiber: Roughly 4g, which is good for digestion This stew not only warms your soul but also nourishes your body. Now you can enjoy it with the full recipe for a perfect meal! First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 cups beef broth - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into coins - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional) Next, brown the beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Once hot, add beef cubes in batches. Brown them for about 4-5 minutes. This step adds flavor. Remove browned beef to a plate. Now, sauté the aromatics. In the same skillet, reduce the heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker. Start with the browned beef. Add the sautéed onion and garlic. Next, layer in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Finally, sprinkle the thawed peas on top. Combine the liquid ingredients in a bowl. Whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Ensure everything is covered well. Cover the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for about 4 hours. The beef will become very tender. If you want a thicker stew, mix cornstarch and water in a bowl. Stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. Before serving, taste the stew. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into deep bowls. Serve hot for the best taste. For a nice touch, garnish the stew with fresh parsley or thyme. This adds color and flavor. Pair it with crusty artisan bread for dipping. Enjoy your hearty slow cooker beef stew! For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To make your beef stew perfect, start with good beef. Use beef chuck roast. It has the right fat and flavor for stews. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Brown the beef first. This step adds deep flavor. Use medium-high heat and don’t crowd the pan. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes. Sauté onion and garlic in the same pan. This helps build flavor. Add them to the slow cooker after browning the beef. Layer your veggies carefully. Carrots and potatoes cook longer than peas. Add peas at the end for nice texture. Avoid using lean cuts of beef. They often dry out. Don't skip browning the meat. This mistake will leave your stew flat. Do not forget to season well. Taste your stew before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Don’t leave the lid off while cooking. This lets the steam escape. Slow cooking depends on moisture. If you need to thicken the stew, wait until the end. Adding cornstarch too soon can ruin the texture. Boost your stew's taste with herbs. Thyme and rosemary bring warmth. Experiment with fresh herbs when possible. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth. You can also include a bay leaf for extra flavor. Be sure to remove it before serving. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance richness. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For the full recipe, check the details above to make this tasty meal! {{image_4}} You can switch the beef for other meats. Try using lamb for a rich flavor. Pork also works well and adds a nice twist. Chicken is a lighter option that cooks faster. Just adjust the cooking time to match the meat you choose. Adding more veggies makes the stew even better. You can use green beans for crunch. Sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness. Turnips or parsnips give a unique taste. Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Want some heat? Add diced jalapeños or chili powder. A splash of hot sauce can also kick it up. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. Spice it to your liking, and enjoy a warm, cozy meal. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions provided. Once your beef stew cools, transfer it to a sturdy container. Use airtight containers for the best results. Store the stew in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, place the stew in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. Heat until it’s hot throughout. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave. Place a bowl of stew in the microwave and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze your stew, let it cool completely first. Then, pour it into freezer bags or containers. Label them with the date. You can freeze the stew for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. You can use mushrooms or lentils instead of beef. Both options add a nice texture. For mushrooms, use hearty types like portobello or shiitake. If you choose lentils, pick green or brown lentils, as they hold their shape well. Just follow the same steps in the Full Recipe. Cook the stew until the lentils or mushrooms are tender. This way, you still get a rich and hearty taste. Yes! You can add vegetables like zucchini or spinach. These veggies cook faster than potatoes and carrots. Add them halfway through the cooking time. This helps them stay bright and not mushy. Another option is to use canned beans, like kidney or cannellini, which can be added at the end. They add protein and flavor without long cooking times. Try adding red wine for depth. Just a half cup can elevate the taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten the stew. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for heat. If you want a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or bacon. These ingredients make the stew even more exciting and tasty! In this post, we covered beef stew ingredients, cooking steps, and tips. You learned how to prep and cook a delicious stew. We also shared variations for different tastes and storage info to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, you can swap ingredients and still make a great dish. Cooking can be easy and fun with the right advice. Enjoy creating your own stew and make it your own!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Warm up with this delicious and hearty slow cooker beef stew that promises comfort in every bite. Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a fulfilling meal with minimal effort. Discover how easy it is to create this melt-in-your-mouth dish that the whole family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium for better flavor control)

3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into coins

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef for about 4-5 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly. Remove the browned beef from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.

    Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

      Layer the Ingredients: In your slow cooker, first add the browned beef, followed by the sautéed onion and garlic. Next, layer in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and finally sprinkle the thawed frozen peas on top.

        Combine Liquid Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this fragrant broth mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.

          Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for approximately 4 hours, until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. If desired, to thicken the stew, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving.

            Serve: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Ladle generous portions of the hearty stew into deep bowls while hot.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in rustic deep bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a vibrant touch. Accompany the dish with slices of crusty artisan bread for a delightful dipping experience!