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Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker: Tender Beef Stew

Cozy Comfort Slow Cooker

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A heartwarming and comforting beef and vegetable stew made in a slow cooker, perfect for chilly evenings. This easy recipe features tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs for a nourishing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches until a crust forms (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery in the beef drippings for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
  3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, green beans, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Season the Stew: Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir well.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
  7. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread or over rice.

Notes

  • For best results, look for beef chuck roast with good marbling.
  • Choose firm, brightly colored vegetables.
  • Uniformly cut beef and vegetables ensure even cooking.
  • Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor.
  • Sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery builds a strong flavor base.
  • Layering ingredients in the slow cooker can help with even cooking.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
  • Cooking on low for a longer period generally yields more tender meat.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition