Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew for the Whole Family
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding a meal that satisfies the whole family’s taste buds while being convenient can be a challenge. A slow cooker comes to the rescue with its ability to transform simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. This recipe for Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew is not only easy to prepare but also promises to be a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper.
- Toss the beef stew meat in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the coated beef in batches, ensuring each piece gets a nice sear. This step enhances the flavor of the stew.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Once the beef is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Vegetables and Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until fragrant and softened.
- Add the garlic and onion mixture to the slow cooker along with the carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Liquid Ingredients:
- Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). These liquids will create a rich and savory base for the stew.
- Set and Forget:
- Set the slow cooker on low heat and let it cook for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Final Touch:
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the stew.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, remove the bay leaves and garnish the stew with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the hearty beef stew in bowls, accompanied by crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.
Conclusion:
This Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. The savoury aroma filling the house as it simmers away is just a precursor to the deliciousness that awaits. The convenience of using a slow cooker makes it a go-to recipe for busy families seeking a wholesome and satisfying meal. Gather your loved ones around the table and savour the warmth and comfort of this flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favourite.
Carla is the founder of MyBump2Baby. Carla has a huge passion for linking together small businesses and growing families. Carla’s humorous, non-filtered honesty has won the hearts of thousands of parents throughout the UK.
She has previously written for the Metro and made appearances on BBC News, BBC 5 live, LBC etc. Carla is a finalist for Blogger of the Year award with Simply Ladies inc. Carla is also the host of the popular Fifty Shades of Motherhood podcast and The MyBump2Baby Expert podcast.