How to Make Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is made with a variety of hearty ingredients, such as beef, vegetables, and broth, and it is slow cooked until the meat is fall-apart tender. This recipe is easy to follow and makes a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Why a Slow Cooker is a Good Way to Cook Beef Stew
There are a few reasons why a slow cooker is a good way to cook beef stew. First, it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in fall-apart tender meat. Second, the slow cooker helps to keep the vegetables from overcooking, so they retain their texture and flavor. Third, the slow cooker allows you to cook the stew hands-off, so you can free up your time to do other things.
Problems with Other Cooking Methods
There are a few potential problems with cooking beef stew in other ways. If you cook the stew on the stovetop, it is important to keep an eye on it and stir it frequently to prevent the meat from burning. Additionally, if you cook the stew in the oven, it can be difficult to get the meat to cook evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker
- In a large skillet, brown the beef cubes in the olive oil over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the beef, potatoes, and carrots to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
- Serve the stew with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Making the Best Beef Stew
- Use a good quality beef chuck roast for the best flavor.
- Brown the beef cubes in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help to seal in the juices and flavor.
- Use a variety of vegetables in your stew. This will add color, flavor, and texture.
- Don’t overcook the stew. The meat should be fall-apart tender, but not mushy.
- Serve the stew with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
When is the Best Time to Make Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Beef stew is a great dish to make on a cold winter day. The slow cooker will keep the stew warm all day long, so you can enjoy a delicious and hearty meal even if you are busy.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Beef stew will cook in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours on low.
Where Can You Find the Ingredients for Beef Stew?
You can find all of the ingredients for beef stew at your local grocery store.
What Equipment do you Need to Make Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker?
- A slow cooker
- A large skillet
- A colander
- A wooden spoon
Additional Tips for Making the Best Beef Stew
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also make beef stew on the stovetop. Just follow the same steps, but cook the stew over medium heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
- You can also make beef stew in the oven. Just follow the same
easy recipe for beef stew in a slow cooker
1 pound beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
Chuck roast, chuck steak, or rump roast are all good choices for beef stew.
Potatoes, carrots, and onions are classic sides for beef stew. You can also serve it with rice, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
Potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn are all traditional sides for beef stew.
8-10 hours on low, 4-6 hours on high.
You can use beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth.
Chuck roast, chuck steak, or rump roast.