Slow Cooker Rustic Beef Stew

$- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium potatoes, diced - 3 carrots, sliced - 1 large onion, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bay leaf Beef chuck is a great choice for stews. It becomes tender and flavorful after cooking for hours. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. The potatoes add a hearty touch. Dice them into small chunks. Carrots bring sweetness, and the onion adds depth. Minced garlic boosts the flavor. Lastly, don't forget the bay leaf; it adds a subtle aroma. - 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium) - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil The beef broth serves as the stew's base. Choose low-sodium to control salt levels. Tomato paste adds richness; it deepens the color and flavor. Worcestershire sauce gives a nice umami kick. Dried thyme and rosemary bring earthy notes. Season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Olive oil helps to sear the beef and enhance the taste. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley brightens up the dish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. Sprinkle it on top just before serving. It makes the stew look inviting and adds a touch of freshness. - Searing the Beef First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes. Sear them until they are browned on all sides. This takes about 4 to 5 minutes. The browning adds deep flavor to the stew. - Transferring to the Slow Cooker After searing, transfer the beef into your slow cooker. Be careful not to lose any juices. These juices help create a rich taste in the stew. - Sautéing Onions and Garlic In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent, about 3 minutes. This step builds more flavor for the stew. - Adding Vegetables to Slow Cooker Next, add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. These vegetables will soak up the flavors as they cook. - Mixing Broth and Sauces In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined. This mixture will give your stew a hearty base. - Gentle Stirring Before Cooking Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Then, stir everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients are submerged in the broth to cook evenly. - Low vs. High Cooking Duration Cover your slow cooker. You can cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Choose based on your schedule. Low cooking gives better flavor, while high cooking is quicker. - Checking for Doneness When the time is up, check the beef. It should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. If it’s not tender, let it cook a bit longer. Enjoy your delicious rustic beef stew! Alternative Seasonings You can change the flavor by using different herbs. Try adding basil or oregano. These herbs bring a fresh taste to your beef stew. If you like spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well too. You can also use a splash of red wine for richness. Tips for Searing Meat Searing your beef adds color and flavor. Heat your skillet well before adding the olive oil. Make sure to brown all sides of the meat. This process takes about 4-5 minutes. Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if needed. This step makes your stew more tasty. How to Ensure Tender Vegetables For soft veggies, cut them into even pieces. This way, they cook at the same rate. Add root vegetables like carrots and potatoes early. They need more time to soften. Stir gently during cooking to keep them intact. Adjusting Liquid Levels If your stew is too thick, add more broth. Start with half a cup. Mix well and check the texture. If it’s too watery, let it cook longer with the lid off. This helps to reduce the liquid. Pairing with Bread or Salad Serve your stew with crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the broth. A fresh salad on the side adds lightness. Consider a simple green salad with a squeeze of lemon. Suggested Side Dishes Roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes go great with stew. They add extra flavor and comfort. You can also serve it with a side of rice for a filling meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this stew. If you want a change, use pork or chicken instead of beef. Both options work well with the same spices and broth. Just remember to adjust cooking times. Chicken cooks faster than beef. For veggies, you can add or swap in peas or mushrooms. These add great flavor and texture. You can even use sweet potatoes for a sweeter touch. Don't be afraid to mix and match what you have in your pantry. If you prefer not to use a slow cooker, you can make this stew on the stove. Start by browning the meat in a large pot. Then, add the veggies and broth. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir often to keep it from sticking, and check for doneness. Another quick option is using an Instant Pot. After browning the meat, add all the ingredients, and seal the lid. Cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes. Let the steam release naturally for best results. For those looking to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free broth and check sauces for gluten content. Most beef broth is gluten-free, but always double-check the label. If you're watching sodium, use low-sodium broth and skip added salt. This will still give you a tasty stew without too much salt. You can also try fresh herbs for flavor instead of salt. - Cooling and Packaging: After serving, let the stew cool. This step helps keep it safe. Once cool, transfer it to storage containers. Use shallow containers for faster cooling. - Best Containers for Storage: Choose airtight containers to keep the stew fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. Label them with the date for easy tracking. - Microwave vs. Stovetop: You can reheat the stew in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. On the stovetop, warm it gently over medium heat. - Avoiding Overcooking the Beef: When reheating, keep an eye on the beef. Heat just until warm to prevent it from becoming tough. Stir gently to avoid breaking apart the meat. - How to Freeze Stew Properly: To freeze, let the stew cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. - Thawing and Reheating Frozen Stew: To thaw, place the bag in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, submerge the bag in cold water. Reheat using the stovetop or microwave, stirring frequently to keep it moist. Cooking this stew can take either 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. I recommend using the low setting for best flavors. This slow method allows the beef to get tender and soak up all the tasty spices. Yes, you can add many other vegetables. Common choices include peas, green beans, or even corn. You can also swap potatoes for sweet potatoes. Feel free to use what you like or have on hand! If your stew is too thin, there are a few easy ways to thicken it. You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in. Another way is to mash a few potato pieces and mix them back in. Both methods work well! It is not safe to leave stew on the warm setting overnight. Always turn off the slow cooker after cooking. If you want to cook overnight, use the low setting and make sure to eat it soon after. This blog post covered all you need to make a great Slow Cooker Rustic Beef Stew. We discussed key ingredients like beef chuck, vegetables, and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor and texture, and even variations to suit your taste. Remember, a little experimentation can lead to your best stew yet. Follow these guidelines for a comforting dish you can enjoy any day of the week. Enjoy your cooking, and may your stew come out perfect every time!$

Slow Cooker Rustic Beef Stew

Warm up your family dinners with this delicious Slow Cooker Rustic Beef Stew! This hearty recipe features tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection, making it the ultimate comfort food. It's easy to prepare and cooks all day while you go about your activities. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal times! #SlowCooker #BeefStew #ComfortFood #EasyRecipes

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Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium potatoes, diced

3 carrots, sliced

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups beef broth (low-sodium)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 bay leaf

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Stir everything gently to combine, making sure the ingredients are submerged in the broth.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6-8