How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed by the entire family during cold winter nights or even on busy weeknights when you want something warm and cozy.

This popular recipe is perfect for those who love rich, savory flavors. The slow cooker allows meat to become incredibly tender as it simmers in flavorful liquids. This beef stew features chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs that provide depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chuck or brisket (cut into 2-inch cubes)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if available)

Cooking Instructions:

Place the cubed beef into the bottom of a large slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the pot.

Mince the garlic cloves and mix it into the flour, then add this paste to the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir well so that all pieces are evenly coated with flour. Pour beef broth over everything, followed by water until the liquid level is about halfway up the sides of your meat chunks. Finally, add bay leaves for aromatic notes.

Cover and cook on low heat setting for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

How to Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Beef Stew:

Your homemade beef stew is ready when the vegetables are fork-tender, and meat is falling apart easily. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or with crusty bread slices on the side for mopping up every last drop of delicious broth.

Per Serving (Approximately 6 Servings):

Cooking time: About 8 hours when set to low; alternatively, 4 hours on high.

Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories. Note that this may vary based upon ingredients used and portion sizes.

Additional Tips:

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine to the broth mixture before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can whisk more flour into the beef chunks at the beginning of preparation for additional thickening effect during slow-cooking process.
• A little bit of dark chocolate added near the end could add an unexpected but delightful depth to your stew. This works especially well with chuck roast which already has a slightly sweet flavor profile.

In conclusion, making slow cooker beef stew is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding once you see how much everyone enjoys this warming meal. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something special to share at your next gathering, this recipe will surely hit the spot every time!