Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Hey, soulful food lovers! Today, we’re cookin’ up some Slow Cooker Beef Stew. This is a classic, hearty stew, filled with succulent beef and a variety of veggies, cooked slowly to perfection in a rich and aromatic broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a family get-together, a chilly winter day, or when you simply want to curl up with a bowl of something warm and indulgent.

Why you’ll love this? Because it���s deliciously rich, comforting and utterly satisfying. Our loyal readers would claim, it’s one of those meals that feels like a big, foodie hug from the inside. Plus, the magic of slow cooking means you’ll be rewarded with tender beef that’s fallen apart, full of flavor from hours of slow cooking.

It’s a doddle to prep, happy to sit in the slow cooker until you’re ready to eat, and is sure to make your home smell like heaven!

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Yield: 8 cups

So, let’s quit yapping and start cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika, preferably Hungarian
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 and 1/2 cups beef broth
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 stalk celery, chopped

As for the equipment, a slow cooker is, of course, the star of the show tonight. Here’s to good food on slow timers, folks!

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1. First, toss the cut up beef in a bowl with the flour, salt, and pepper. Mix it around until each piece of meat is coated.
2. Place the seasoned meat into the slow cooker and add in the garlic, bay leaf, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Then comes the lovely veggies. Chop ’em up and toss ’em in! Add the onion, potatoes, carrots, and celery.
4. Pour in that amazing beef broth and give everything a good stir.
5. Now, patience is a virtue, set the slow cooker on low and let it cook for a whopping 8 – 10 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high and cook for 4 – 5 hours.
6. Once the time’s up, grab a spoon, give it a taste, and add any extra seasoning where needed. And there you have it, folks, a hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew begging to be devoured.

Tips For The Best Results

• Browning the meat before cooking can add an extra depth of flavor.
• Want to thicken the stew? Just whisk together some cornstarch and water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.

Storage Tips

• The stew can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Best reheating method would be slowly on a low heat in a saucepan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?

A: Yes, you can, but it might alter the final taste of the stew.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?

A: Absolutely, feel free to get creative with your veggies! Just be mindful of their cooking times.

Q: Can this be made on the stovetop?

A: Yes, but you would have to adjust the cooking time – I’d suggest simmering it on low for about 2-3 hours.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Absolutely! This stew freezes beautifully.

Q: I don’t have a bay leaf, can I skip it?

A: Sure thing, it’ll be tasty either way.

Nutritional Facts of Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serving Size: 1/6th of total recipe. Each serving contains:

• Calories: 345cal
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 31g

That’s it for the Slow Cooker Beef Stew, folks! A real hearty, comforting meal that’s a crowd pleaser and perfect for those chillier days. It truly is the kind of dish where the magic happens when you’re not looking – because slow and steady indeed, wins the race. Here’s to comfort in a bowl!