Hearty Beef Stew: A Cozy Delight for Autumn Days

As the crisp November air settles in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of beef stew to warm the soul. Packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this comforting dish is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 ½ cups of beef broth
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 stalk of celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 large bay leaf

Directions:

1. Begin by placing the beef stew meat in a slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly distributed along the bottom.
2. In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the meat in the slow cooker, and gently toss until the meat is coated in the seasoned flour.
3. Next, add the beef broth, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped celery, Worcestershire sauce, ground paprika, minced garlic, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer gently for 8 to 12 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 4 to 6 hours. The beef should become tender enough to easily cut with a spoon, and the vegetables should be soft and flavorful.
5. Once the stew has finished cooking, ladle it into bowls and serve piping hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a touch of brightness.

This robust beef stew is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs, and enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn with every comforting spoonful.