Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Easy Peasy Great Dinner!

For busy weeknights, nothing beats a hearty and easy-to-prepare beef stew that can warm up not just our tummies but our souls too. This slow cooker beef stew recipe is not only delicious and nutritious, but it is also a one-pot meal that requires minimal effort and time. Get your crockpot ready and let’s start making this easy peasy great dinner!

Ingredients:
– 2 lbs of beef chuck, cut into cubes
– 4 medium sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks of celery, sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 3 cups of beef broth
– 2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp of dried thyme
– 1 tsp of dried rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp of cornstarch (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef cubes on all sides. This will create a nice crust that will give the meat added flavor, and it also helps to seal in the juices while it cooks in the stew.

2. Once the beef cubes are browned, transfer them into the slow cooker.

3. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.

4. Pour the can of diced tomatoes with its juice over the vegetables.

5. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.

6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

7. Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and taste-test. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

8. If you want a thicker broth, you can mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry slowly into the stew, stirring constantly until desired thickness is achieved.

9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Summary:

– Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a great weeknight meal that requires minimal effort and time.
– Brown the beef cubes in a skillet before transferring to the slow cooker for added flavor and juice retention.
– Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic create a balanced and nutritious stew that is packed with vitamins and minerals.
– Adding diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like thyme and rosemary enhances the taste and aroma of the stew.
– Cooking on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours produces tender and succulent meat.
– Adjust seasoning and thickness with cornstarch to satisfy personal preference.
– Serve hot and enjoy with crusty bread or rice.