Based on my analysis, I found two factual claims that would benefit from high-authority external links:
1. Nutritional information – The article provides specific nutritional data that could be supported by USDA sources
2. Worcestershire sauce – This ingredient has a documented history and origin that can be linked to authoritative sources
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Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for fall and winter, filling your home with the aroma of tender beef, fresh herbs, and rich broth. The benefits of using a slow cooker for busy days are undeniable, as it allows you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort and time. As we dive into the world of slow-cooker beef stew, you’ll discover why it’s a staple in many households, and how easy it is to make a mouth-watering slow-cooker beef stew.
The slow-cooker beef stew is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to warm up on a chilly evening or a hearty stew to fuel your family, this recipe has got you covered. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s no wonder why slow-cooker beef stew is a favorite among many.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of slow-cooker beef stew, from its ingredients and preparation to its nutritional benefits and variations. So, let’s get started and discover the magic of slow-cooker beef stew!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow-cooker beef stew recipe is a game-changer for busy households, as it requires minimal preparation and effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. The rich flavors of the stew, combined with the tender beef and fresh herbs, make it a truly satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.
The versatility of this recipe is another reason why you’ll love it. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs and preferences, making it an excellent option for families or individuals with different tastes. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb version, this slow-cooker beef stew recipe can be adapted to meet your requirements.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy days, look no further than this slow-cooker beef stew recipe. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and minimal preparation, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household. You can also check out our Crock-Pot vs Slow Cooker article to learn more about the differences between these two kitchen appliances.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs baby red potatoes cut in half
- 1 lb bag baby carrots
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 c broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 boxes of sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 c all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, you can easily substitute or modify them to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can use different types of potatoes, such as Russet or sweet potatoes, or add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. The key is to choose ingredients that complement the rich flavors of the stew and add texture and depth to the dish.
The beef broth is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, as it provides the base flavor for the stew. You can use beef, chicken, or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. The tomato paste adds a rich, intense flavor, while the Worcestershire sauce provides a tangy, umami taste. The thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika add a fragrant, herbaceous flavor that complements the beef and vegetables perfectly.
In terms of substitutions, you can use chuck roast or round steak instead of stew meat, or add other spices and herbs to suit your taste. The bay leaves add a mild, slightly sweet flavor, while the garlic and onion provide a pungent, savory taste. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor and texture, making them a great addition to the stew. You can also check out our Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for more ideas on how to customize this recipe.
Equipment Needed
To make this slow-cooker beef stew, you’ll need a few basic pieces of equipment, including a 6-quart slow cooker, a cutting board, a knife, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon or spatula. These tools will help you prepare and cook the stew with ease, ensuring that it turns out delicious and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the 2 lbs stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 1/2 lbs baby red potatoes (cut in half), 1 lb bag baby carrots, 1 diced onion, 2 boxes of sliced mushrooms, and 2 cloves minced garlic into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Whisk together the 3 cups broth, 1 can tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp Kosher salt, and 1 tsp ground black pepper in a separate bowl until all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the whisked broth mixture evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
- Whisk the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of hot broth from the stew in a small bowl until a smooth slurry forms.
- Stir the flour mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve the Slow-Cooker Beef Stew immediately, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you cook the stew, you’ll notice that the flavors will meld together, and the meat will become tender and fall-apart. The potatoes and carrots will be cooked through, and the mushrooms will add an earthy flavor and texture. The broth will thicken, and the herbs will add a fragrant, herbaceous flavor.
To ensure that your stew turns out delicious, make sure to brown the beef and cook the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker. This will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish. Also, be sure to stir the stew occasionally, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Pro Tips & Tricks
To make the most of your slow-cooker beef stew, here are a few pro tips and tricks to keep in mind. First, use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup a breeze. Second, adjust the seasoning to taste after cooking, as the flavors may have melded together during the cooking process. Finally, consider adding other ingredients, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
When it comes to slow-cooker beef stew tips, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to cook the stew on low heat for a longer period of time. This will ensure that the meat is tender, and the flavors have melded together perfectly. You can also cook the stew on high heat for a shorter period of time, but be sure to check on it regularly to avoid overcooking. You can also check out our Best Slow Cooker Recipes for more ideas and inspiration.
Serving Suggestions/Storage/Variations
This slow-cooker beef stew is perfect for serving with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. You can also store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To add some variation to the recipe, consider adding other ingredients, such as diced tomatoes or green beans, to add more flavor and texture.
In terms of slow-cooker beef stew recipe variations, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can use different types of meat, such as chicken or pork, or add other spices and herbs to suit your taste. The key is to choose ingredients that complement the rich flavors of the stew and add texture and depth to the dish.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving, this slow-cooker beef stew contains approximately 300-350 kcal, 25-35g of protein, 28-35g of carbs, 10-14g of fat, 2-4g of sugar, 1-2g of fiber, 250-400mg of sodium, 400-500mg of potassium, 50-90mg of calcium, 10-15mcg of vitamin A, 3-5mg of vitamin C, and 1-3mcg of vitamin B12. USDA nutritional data for beef stew provides detailed information about the nutritional composition of similar dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use chuck roast or round steak as substitutes for the stew meat.
Q: How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
A: Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the stew. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the stew?
A: Yes, you can add other ingredients, such as diced tomatoes or green beans, to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
Q: How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
A: You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze the stew?
A: Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months.
Q: What are some variations of the recipe?
A: You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs by using different types of meat, spices, and herbs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this slow-cooker beef stew recipe is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and minimal preparation, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household. So, go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me on social media using the hashtag #EvasRecipes.
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking, and I’ll see you in the next recipe!
Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Place the 2 lbs stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 1/2 lbs baby red potatoes (cut in half), 1 lb bag baby carrots, 1 diced onion, 2 boxes of sliced mushrooms, and 2 cloves minced garlic into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Whisk together the 3 cups broth, 1 can tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp Kosher salt, and 1 tsp ground black pepper in a separate bowl until all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the whisked broth mixture evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
- Whisk the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of hot broth from the stew in a small bowl until a smooth slurry forms.
- Stir the flour mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve the Slow-Cooker Beef Stew immediately, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves, if desired.