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- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced - 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced - 1 large onion, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium) - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make this stew, you need simple and fresh ingredients. First, I use beef chuck. It has rich flavor and becomes very tender when cooked slowly. Next, I add potatoes and carrots for heartiness. These vegetables soak up the beef's juices, making the stew extra tasty. I also include onion and garlic. These two add depth to the dish. I prefer low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels. Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce enhance the stew's flavor. Thyme and rosemary bring warmth and earthiness, perfect for comfort food. Lastly, I finish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl. When you mix all these ingredients together, you create a cozy meal that warms the soul. - Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat all sides. - Sear the beef in olive oil for browning. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until brown. This step adds great flavor. - Add vegetables: potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Place them evenly over the beef in the slow cooker. - Combine liquids and flavorings in a mixing bowl. Mix beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Whisk until blended. Pour this mixture over the beef and veggies. - Set the slow cooker to low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours. The longer cooking time makes the beef really tender. - Check for doneness before serving. The beef should be fork-tender, and the vegetables should be soft. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To make your stew taste great, adjust the seasoning to your liking. Always taste before serving. You might want to add more salt or pepper. This helps bring out all the rich flavors. Browning the beef is key. Searing the meat before slow cooking adds a deep, savory taste. It creates a nice crust that seals in juices. Use medium-high heat and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This step is worth it! Choosing the right slow cooker makes a difference. Look for one with even heat distribution. Models with a ceramic pot work well. They cook food evenly and keep it warm. For searing, use a heavy skillet or Dutch oven. A good non-stick option helps prevent sticking. Ensure your pan is hot before adding the beef. This way, you get that perfect golden brown crust. Serve your stew with crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the savory broth. You can also try serving it with a side salad or steamed veggies. They add color and freshness to your meal. Another great side is rice or mashed potatoes. They complement the stew nicely. Enjoy your hearty meal with family and friends! {{image_4}} You can change the meat in the stew. Try using brisket for a different flavor. It adds a nice richness. If you want to switch up the veggies, use seasonal ones. Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes. You can also add parsnips or turnips for fun. For a lighter stew, use low-fat broth. This cuts down on calories. You can also reduce the olive oil. Adding more vegetables boosts nutrition. Toss in green beans, peas, or even spinach. These add color and vitamins without many calories. Want to spice things up? Add cumin, paprika, or curry powder for a new flavor. Each spice gives the stew a different feel. You might also try adding a splash of beer or wine. This adds depth to the taste. Just make sure to let the alcohol cook off. Store your leftover beef and potato stew in the fridge. Use airtight containers for best results. Glass or BPA-free plastic work well. Make sure to let the stew cool before sealing it. This step helps keep it fresh. To freeze portions, let the stew cool completely. Then, spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to leave some space at the top, as the stew may expand. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quicker thawing. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often. In the fridge, your stew lasts about 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or has a strange color, it’s best to toss it. Keeping an eye on these details ensures you enjoy every bite safely. Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just remember to thaw it first for best results. Frozen beef may not brown well, which can affect the flavor. If you skip browning, your stew might taste less rich. Always season the beef well, no matter its state. If your stew is too watery, there are easy ways to thicken it. You can mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mix into the stew and let it cook for a few more minutes. Another option is to mash some of the potatoes. This will give the stew a thicker texture without adding extra ingredients. When cooking at high altitude, you might need to increase the cooking time. The lower air pressure can slow down cooking. For instance, add an extra hour to your low setting or 30 minutes to your high setting. Always check if the beef is tender before serving. Adjust as needed for your specific altitude. This blog post covers a delicious beef stew recipe that is easy and satisfying. We looked at key ingredients like beef, potatoes, and carrots. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking your stew. Keep in mind the tips for seasoning and selecting the right tools. Don't hesitate to try variations for different flavors and health needs. Enjoy making this stew today! You will love how it warms your home and your heart.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Stew

Warm up your evenings with this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Stew recipe! Packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and flavorful herbs, this stew is perfect for cozy nights. Discover the easy step-by-step instructions that make cooking simple and enjoyable, plus learn how to ensure your stew is bursting with flavor! Click to explore the full recipe and create a comforting meal that your family will love.
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

3 large carrots, peeled and sliced

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Beef: Begin by seasoning the beef cubes thoroughly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring that all sides are coated well.

    Sear the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Sear the meat for about 3-4 minutes per side until it develops a nice brown crust. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

      Add Vegetables: Into the slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic, distributing them evenly over the beef.

        Combine Liquids: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Whisk until well blended. Pour this savory mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is coated.

          Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow it to cook for 8 hours, or set to high heat for 4 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

            Final Seasoning: Once cooking is complete, open the slow cooker and taste the stew. Adjust seasoning as necessary with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to achieve your desired flavor.

              Serve: Using a ladle, carefully serve the hearty beef and potato stew into individual bowls. Finish off each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

                - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high) | Serves 6

                  Feel free to enjoy this warm and comforting stew with a slice of crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal!