Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that features tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and rich broth, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy days, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld together.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 medium carrots (sliced)
• 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Timing

Making Slow Cooker Beef Stew takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 8 hours for cooking on low heat.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown Beef: Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Add Vegetables: In the slow cooker, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and minced garlic.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Add Broth

1. Pour in Broth: Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is covered.

Step 4: Cook

1. Set Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 5: Add Peas and Serve

1. Add Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the stew and stir.
2. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Slow Cooker Beef Stew (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Vegetables: Include other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or green beans for added flavor and nutrition.
• Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like bay leaves or parsley for added flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly days. With its rich flavors and tender meat, this stew is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger!