Nothing beats the aroma of a hearty beef and vegetable stew simmering away in the slow cooker. This timeless dish hails from European kitchens, where slow-cooking was the secret to filling, flavorful meals. Perfect for chilly days, this stew is both comforting and satisfying. With the slow cooker handling the hard work, you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal even on the busiest days.
Slow Cooker Classic Beef and Vegetable Stew
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes | 2 pounds |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Red wine (optional) | 1 cup |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks | 4 large |
| Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks | 4 large |
| Celery, sliced | 2 stalks |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
Directions:
- Prepare the beef. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Brown the meat. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Cook the aromatics. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add to the slow cooker.
- Add liquids and seasonings. Stir in beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme.
- Add the vegetables. Incorporate the carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaves.
- Slow cook. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Finish with peas. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas. Remove bay leaves before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
Variations & Tips:
- Use gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra flavor.
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew 30 minutes before it’s done.
- Substitute balsamic vinegar for red wine to deepen the flavor profile.
- Serve with crusty bread, buttery biscuits, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
