Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Contents

Cozy and Rich Slow Cooker Beef StewThe Best Beef for StewIngredients You’ll NeedStep-by-Step Instructions

Cozy and Rich Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Nothing says home-cooked comfort like a bowl of Classic Beef Stew. The key to a great stew is tender beef that melts in your mouth and a thick, rich gravy full of savory flavor. By using a slow cooker, you allow the beef chuck roast to simmer gently for hours, transforming a tough cut of meat into an incredibly tender delicacy along with soft potatoes and carrots.

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The Best Beef for Stew

The absolute best cut of meat for beef stew is beef chuck roast. Do not buy pre-cut “stew meat” from the grocery store, as it is often a mixture of different cuts that cook at different rates. Chuck roast has plenty of marble fat and connective tissue, which melts during slow cooking and keeps the beef incredibly juicy and tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Beef Chuck Roast (2.5 lbs): Cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes (1 lb): Cut into chunks (Yukon Gold hold their shape well without getting mushy).
• Carrots (3 medium) & Celery (2 stalks): Sliced thick.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium) & Garlic (3 cloves): Chopped.
• Beef Broth (3 cups) & Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp): The savory liquid base.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): For depth and color.
• Thyme & Rosemary (1 tsp each): Earthy herbs.
• Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Mixed with cold water to thicken the gravy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Meat: Coat the beef cubes in a little flour, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add Veggies & Liquids: Toss the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the beef and potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Thicken: 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and water slurry into the stew. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the gravy is thick and glossy.

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