Slow Cooker Beef Stew Vegetables (Printable Version)
Tender beef and root vegetables simmered slowly in a rich, savory broth for a deeply comforting meal on cold days.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
→ Vegetables
02 - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 1 large onion, chopped
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup frozen peas (added at end)
→ Liquids
08 - 4 cups beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
09 - 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
→ Spices & Seasonings
12 - 2 teaspoons salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
16 - 2 bay leaves
→ For Thickening
17 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
18 - 2 tablespoons cold water
# How to Make It:
01 - Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
02 - Optionally, for a richer flavor, brown the seasoned beef cubes in a large skillet over medium-high heat in batches. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
03 - Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the beef.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, dry red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves.
05 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours, or on the high setting for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
06 - Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the stew.
07 - In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a smooth slurry. Stir this slurry into the stew, then add the frozen peas. Increase the slow cooker heat to high and continue to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency and the peas are heated through.
08 - Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You&ll adore how effortlessly this rich, savory stew comes together, making cozy dinners a breeze.
- It truly is a set-it-and-forget-it marvel, rewarding you with unbelievably tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.
02 -
- Browning the beef beforehand isn&t just for looks; it develops a layer of rich, deep flavor that you simply can&t achieve otherwise.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently during cooking, as this lets out heat and can significantly extend your cooking time.
03 -
- Don&t skip the cornstarch slurry for thickening; it&s the easiest way to get that perfect, luscious gravy consistency without over-reducing the stew.
- Always taste and adjust your seasonings right before serving; a little extra salt or a fresh crack of pepper can make all the difference.