Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow Cooked to perfection: Hearty Beef Stew awesomenessPer Serving
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 30 ml 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 900 grams 2 pounds stew meat, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 450 grams 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered
- 180 grams 4 carrots, cut diagonally into 1.3 cm (1/2-inch) thick slices
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 710 ml 3 cups beef broth
- 30 ml 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ml 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 5 ml 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 5 ml 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 5 ml 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5 ml 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
- 2 bay leaves
- 60 ml 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves about 30 ml
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Season 900 grams (2 pounds) of stew meat with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet or frying pan. Cook until evenly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Place the browned beef, 450 grams (1 pound) of quartered baby potatoes, 180 grams (4 carrots), diced onion, and minced garlic in a 6-qt (5.7-liter) slow cooker.
- Add 710 ml (3 cups) of beef broth, 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of tomato paste, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of Worcestershire sauce, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of dried thyme, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of dried rosemary, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of smoked paprika, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of caraway seeds (if using), and the bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
- In a small bowl, whisk 60 ml (1/4 cup) of stew broth with 60 ml (1/4 cup) of all-purpose flour. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until thickened.
- Serve the stew garnished with about 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley leaves.
Notes
Mastering the Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe: Variations, Meat Insights, and Slow Cooking
Introduction:
Indulge in the epitome of comfort with our comprehensive guide on creating the best slow cooker beef stew recipe. Learn the art of mastering this classic dish in just 7 simple steps, as we explore variations, meat insights, slow cooker tips, and more.
Origins of a Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Beef stew’s origins trace back to early civilizations, where slow-cooking tough cuts of meat was a practical necessity. Across cultures, variations emerged, reflecting regional ingredients and culinary ingenuity. This dish evolved into a timeless comfort, celebrating the art of transforming simple ingredients into rich, flavourful creations.
Variations that Elevate your Cooking Skills:
While the classic slow cooker beef stew recipe boasts timeless charm, variations offer exciting twists. Try incorporating different vegetables like mushrooms, celery, or parsnips for added depth. Experiment with wine or beer as flavour enhancers, and consider using lamb or chicken for unique takes on this comforting dish.
Information about the Meat:
Beef stew stars tender chunks of meat, but did you know it goes by many names? Stew meat, chuck roast, or bottom round roast are common choices. These cuts, marbled with fat, break down beautifully during slow cooking, rendering them melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Preparation: Key to Excellence:
Before chopping, consider a quick sear to enhance the meat’s flavor. Season with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet with a touch of oil. This caramelization adds a savory depth to your stew. Speaking of chopping, uniform cuts ensure even cooking. Aim for 1-inch cubes to achieve the perfect balance between tenderness and structure.
Slow Cooker Alchemy:
The slow cooker is your stew’s best friend. It transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors. As the stew simmers gently over hours, the meat becomes succulent, the vegetables infuse their essence, and the aromas fill your home with anticipation. Slow cookers work wonders by maintaining low, steady temperatures that allow collagen in tougher cuts of meat to break down, resulting in fork-tender perfection.
Crafting Flavour Harmonies:
Craft a culinary masterpiece through meticulous layering. Carrots and potatoes provide textural balance, while onions and garlic lay a fragrant foundation. Elevate the flavour profile with tomato paste and a medley of herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Enhance the essence with the delicate touch of bay leaves.
The Art of a Beef Stew:
Beef stew is more than a recipe; it’s an art. Each ingredient contributes to the masterpiece. Carrots and potatoes offer contrasting textures, while onions and garlic build the aromatic foundation. Tomato paste adds richness, and a medley of herbs—thyme, rosemary, and paprika—elevate the profile. Don’t forget the bay leaves, which impart a subtle earthiness.
Savouring the Rewards:
When your beef stew is ready, the reward is pure comfort. The rich broth envelopes each ingredient, and every spoonful is a reminder of home-cooked goodness. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of colour and a touch of freshness.
Embrace the Tradition:
Our ultimate guide encapsulates the timeless tradition of a slow cooked beef stew recipe. From understanding meat dynamics to embracing creative variations, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey that resonates with comfort, warmth, and the joy of sharing.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, our 7-step recipe ensures that each spoonful offers a taste of home and a slice of heart-warming delight. Mastering a hearty Slow Cooked beef stew recipe involves understanding the meat, exploring variations, and appreciating the slow cooker’s ability. It’s a dish that encapsulates tradition, and warmth. So, whether you stick to the classic recipe or embark on culinary adventures, remember that every bowl of beef stew is an invitation to savour life’s simple and heart-warming pleasures.
Compliment your Beef Stew with our Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Wikipedia – Cuts of Beef in various countries