Best 3 Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Recipes
In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can rival the allure of a hearty beef stew, its rich, flavorful broth enveloping tender chunks of beef and an array of vegetables. Whether you're looking to warm up on a chilly winter day or simply seeking a satisfying meal that evokes a sense of nostalgia, crafting the perfect slow cooker hearty beef stew is an endeavor worth undertaking. With the right combination of ingredients and a slow and steady cooking process, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
SLOW COOKER HEARTY BEEF STEW
I've never been a big fan of beef stew, but I really enjoy this recipe that I got from Cook's Country. The meat comes out fork-tender, the broth is rich and just thick enough to coat a spoon, and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. This way of preparing beef stew keeps the vegetables from turning to mush by steaming them on top of the stew in a "hobo pack". The stew is thickened without giving it a starchy texture by using Minute Tapioca. Also, you get a big beefy flavor by slipping in a few tablespoons of soy sauce. It takes a little more prep time, but you can do most of the prep for this recipe the night before the ingredients go into the slow cooker. I think the extra time preparing it is worth it! Just prepare the recipe through step 7 and refrigerate the browned beef and onion mixture in separate containers. In the morning, just transfer everything to the slow cooker and proceed with step 8. The cooking time will run to the high end of the ranges given in the recipe. If you're going to be away from your slow cooker for more than 10 hours, cutting the vegetables into larger, 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces will help them retain their texture.
Provided by CookingONTheSide
Categories Stew
Time 10h30m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Dry beef with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 T oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking.
- Add half of beef and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes.
- Transfer to slow cooker inset and repeat with remaining beef (you shouldn't need more oil).
- Add 1 T oil, onions and 1/4 t salt to empty skillet and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and cook, stirring well, for 2 minutes.
- Add broth and soy sauce, bring to a simmer and transfer to slow-cooker inset.
- Toss carrots, parsnips, potatoes, 1/2 t thyme, and remaining 1 T oil in bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Wrap vegetables in foil packet that will fit in slow cooker.
- Note: To make the pack, place the vegetables on one side of a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Fold the foil over, shaping it into a packet that will fit into your slow cooker, then crimp to seal the edges.
- Stir bay leaves and tapioca into slow-cooker insert; set vegetable packet on top of beef.
- Set slow cooker to high, cover, and cook for 6-7 hours (or cook on low for 10 hours-11 hours).
- Transfer vegetable packet to plate.
- Carefully open packet (watch for steam) and stir vegetables and juices into stew.
- Add remaining 1 t thyme and peas and let stand until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
SLOW COOKER HEARTY BEEF STEW
Steps:
- Season the beef with black pepper. Coat the beef with 2 tablespoons of the flour. Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in 2 batches and cook until it's well browned, stirring often.
- Place the potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic into a 5-quart slow cooker. Top with the beef. Add 3 cups of the stock, Worcestershire, thyme and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 10 to 11 hours* or until the beef is fork-tender. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Stir the remaining flour and stock in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth. Stir the flour mixture and peas in the cooker. Increase the heat to HIGH. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens.
- *Or on HIGH 5 to 6 hours
- Serving suggestion: Serve with buttermilk biscuits and tossed salad topped with Ranch dressing.
EASY AND HEARTY SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW
A hearty warm meal waiting for you when you get home, full of tender beef, potatoes, and carrots in a rich flavorful sauce. Comfort food at its best! Serve with warm bread or rolls.
Provided by to1drland
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes
Time 6h10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine beef, potatoes, carrots, and onion in a slow cooker crock.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup, tomato sauce, onion soup mix, parsley, and pepper together in a bowl; pour over the beef mixture.
- Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Stir before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 465.3 calories, Carbohydrate 50.4 g, Cholesterol 62.6 mg, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 7.6 g, Protein 24.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.9 g, Sodium 1038.1 mg, Sugar 8.5 g
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew:
- Choose the right cut of beef: A chuck roast or brisket is ideal for a stew, as they are tough cuts that become tender when cooked slowly.
- Brown the beef before cooking: Browning the beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker helps to develop flavor and color.
- Use a variety of vegetables: A hearty beef stew should have a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips.
- Use a flavorful broth: The broth is an important part of a beef stew, so use a flavorful broth, such as beef broth or vegetable broth. You can also add other liquids, such as red wine or beer, to add flavor.
- Season the stew well: A beef stew should be well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves.
- Cook the stew on low for 8-10 hours: A beef stew needs to cook for a long time in order to become tender. Cook the stew on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Conclusion:
A slow cooker hearty beef stew is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. By following these tips, you can make a beef stew that is full of flavor and that your family and friends will love. Serve the stew with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread. You can also garnish the stew with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
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