Slow-Cooker Beef Stew Recipe: An Easy and Nutritious Meal

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that is perfect for cool, autumn evenings, and it’s also an excellent source of nutrition. This recipe is an incredible slow-cooker beef stew that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of beef shank or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces
– 4 celery stalks, sliced into bite-sized pieces
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2-3 sprigs of thyme
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 3 cups of beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
– 3 tablespoons of water
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, and once it’s hot, add the beef cubes. Cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.

2. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.

3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender, stirring frequently.

4. Add the cooked vegetables on top of the beef in the slow cooker.

5. Add thyme, bay leaves, smoked paprika, tomato paste, beef broth, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

6. Stir until all ingredients are combined.

7. Set the slow cooker on low heat and leave to cook for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.

8. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.

9. Add the mixture to the slow cooker, then stir well to thicken the stew.

10. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the stew.

11. Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Information:

– Beef: Beef is an excellent source of protein, zinc, and iron. Protein is an essential nutrient for building and repairing tissues, while zinc and iron are important for healthy immune function and red blood cells.
– Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients can boost the immune system and promote overall health.
– Herbs and Spices: Thyme is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and bay leaves are a good source of vitamins C and A. Smoked paprika is a flavorful spice that can improve digestion and help fight inflammation.
– Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the stew, but it’s also a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.

Bullet Points:

– Slow-cooker beef stew is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cool, autumn evenings.

– Beef is an excellent source of protein, zinc, and iron, while carrots, celery, and onion are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

– Herbs and spices such as thyme, bay leaves, and smoked paprika can promote health and fight inflammation.

– Cornstarch and water make a great thickener and is a good source of carbs.

– This recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for those days when you want to come home to a warm, satisfying meal.