Slow-cooker beef stew is a classic dish that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for chilly nights. The beauty of this dish is that it requires minimal prep work, and the slow cooking process results in incredibly tender and flavorful beef. In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe for making beef stew in a slow cooker, as well as share some tips and tricks for perfecting your stews.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds stewing beef
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. Add the beef and toss to coat.

2. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Once hot, add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

3. Remove the beef from the skillet and transfer it to the slow cooker.

4. Add the garlic and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the beef broth and tomato paste, whisking to combine. Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

5. Add the carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker and stir to combine.

6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.

7. About 30 minutes before the stew is finished cooking, add the frozen peas and stir to combine. Cook for another 30 minutes or until heated through.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Preparing Stews:

– Use a tough cut of meat: Stewing beef is tough and requires a long cooking time to become tender and flavorful. Leaner and more tender cuts of beef will not hold up as well in a slow-cooked stew.

– Brown the meat first: Searing the meat before slow cooking adds rich flavor and caramelization to the dish.

– Cut ingredients evenly: Chop vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

– Don’t over-fill the slow cooker: Leave some space at the top to allow the ingredients to simmer and the flavors to meld.

– Avoid lifting the lid: Each time you lift the lid, heat and steam escape, resulting in a longer cook time.

– Adjust seasonings at the end: Slow cooking can dull flavors, so taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.