There’s nothing quite like a slow cooker to make easy meals seem even easier. One thing you can braise is a fine, savory beef stew. This is a lovely recipe for a tender brisket with good hearty veggies, great for any time of year.
Ingredients and Preparation
First, prepare these ingredients beef chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, and herbs. Seasonings such as salt, black pepper, thyme and bay leaves enhance the stew’s flavor.
Start by preparing the beef. Trim the chuck roast and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Salt and pepper the meat to your taste, but be sure to coat it thoroughly.
Browning the Beef
You don’t have to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, but it does bring out the flavor of the stew. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, on all sides, until well browed. Do not crowd the pan as they should brown evenly.
Add the browned meat to the slow cooker. This method sears in the juices and imparts a smoky taste to the finished dish.
Preparing the Vegetables
Peel and slice the potatoes and carrots into chunks. Chop the onions and crush the garlic. These vegetables will have combined with the beef to create the thick stew base.
Place potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic in slow cooker with beef. These components will drink in the good flavors as they cook.
Creating the Sauce
Combine beef broth and tomato paste in a bowl, stir until smooth. This they use as a foundation for the stew; it gives both liquid and flavor. Pour over the beef and vegetables in slow cooker.
If you’d like more flavor, they add thyme and bay leaves. This stew is flavored with these herbs, and tastes incredible.
Slow Cooking the Stew
Turn the slow cooker on low heat and put the cover on. Let it cook away for six to eight hours. It’s long enough that the beef is fall-apart tender and the flavors are well distributed.
The scent of the stew cooking will waft through the kitchen, anticipation for the meal tightening. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Finishing Touches
About 30 minutes before serving, taste for the stew’s consistency. If you want a thicker sauce, mix together a couple tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with some water to make a slurry. Mix this into the stew and stir until the stew is as thick as you would like.
Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper as necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Top with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy! Serve it over some crusty bread or rice for a filling meal. The bread can even be used to sop up the yummy sauce, making things even better.
This stew can also be served with a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to offset the richness with a bit of fresh, crisp flavors.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover stew keeps for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, return the stew to a pot set over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated throughout. This meal can also be frozen and will store well in the freezer for up to three months, for a quick instant meal another day.
Exploring Variations
It is a very versatile recipe with plenty of room for customization. If you like, by the way, some mushrooms or peas could be added to the mix for further texture and interest. For a heat hit, perhaps add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
You can also substitute some of the beef broth with wine or beer for a more robust flavor. You can also play around with different herbs and spices.
Conclusion
When it is cold outside, there is nothing more comforting and easier than a slow cooker beef stew. Tender beef and delicious vegetables make this a great meal anytime. Following this easy recipe will allow anyone to make an appetizing stew to warm the belly.
For either a family dinner or a snuggly night in, this recipe brings the warmth and comfort. This easy, flavorful slow cooked beef stew lets every bite melt in your mouth.
