Slow Cooker Beef Stew (Print Version)
Tender beef and root vegetables simmered slowly for a rich, comforting meal with deep flavors.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
→ Vegetables
02 - 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
05 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
06 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
→ Aromatics & Seasonings
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 1 tsp dried thyme
10 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
11 - 2 bay leaves
12 - 1 tsp salt
13 - ½ tsp black pepper
→ Liquids
14 - 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
15 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Thickening
16 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
17 - 2 tbsp cold water
# How to Make It:
01 - Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and pepper.
02 - Place seasoned beef, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onion, and celery in the slow cooker.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together tomato paste, garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth until well combined.
04 - Pour the liquid mixture over the meat and vegetables. Gently stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until beef and vegetables are tender.
05 - In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew until thickened.
06 - Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything goes into one pot raw and emerges transformed into something that tastes like it simmered all day on a grandparents stove
- The vegetables become so tender they practically melt, yet somehow hold their shape beautifully
02 -
- Every slow cooker runs differently, so the first time you make this, check at 7 hours to avoid overcooking the vegetables
- The cornstarch slurry needs to be stirred in during the last 30 minutes while the liquid is still actively simmering
03 -
- Sear the beef cubes in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker for an incredibly deep, caramelized flavor
- Add a splash of red wine to the liquid mixture for sophistication that nobody will be able to quite identify