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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting, hearty meal featuring tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked with a flavorful broth and a medley of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. This easy, hands-off recipe fills your home with inviting aromas and delivers rich, satisfying flavors perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 sprigs thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
  2. Brow the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the beef pieces on all sides to seal in juices and develop a rich, caramelized crust. This step adds depth of flavor.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: While the beef is browning, peel and chop the carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery into uniform pieces for even cooking and appealing texture.
  4. Assemble the Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf into the slow cooker. Stir in the tomato paste and pour the beef broth over all ingredients. Mix gently to combine.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir gently before serving to blend the flavors evenly.

Notes

  • Use quality beef chuck roast due to its marbling and flavor, ideal for slow cooking.
  • Browning the meat enhances flavor and creates a richer stew base.
  • Cut vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking and an attractive presentation.
  • Layer ingredients by placing meat at the bottom and vegetables on top to avoid over-softening.
  • Adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking since slow cooking concentrates flavors.
  • Optional variations include a vegetarian version, adding spice, red wine, or swapping vegetables for dietary preferences.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours (low) or 4 to 5 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, beef stew recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty stew, slow cooked beef