Slow Cooked Beef Stew Recipe

Looking for a comforting and delicious way to warm up on a cold day? Try making this slow cooked beef stew! It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Plus, with the help of a slow cooker, it practically makes itself. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds beef stew meat, trimmed and cubed
– 2 onions, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 4 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

2. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.

3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the stew, and let cook for an additional 15 minutes until the stew thickens.

5. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Now that your slow cooked beef stew is ready, it’s time to enjoy! Here are some key points to remember:

– Browning the beef first adds flavor and texture to the stew.
– Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop over time, resulting in a rich and comforting stew.
– Adding a slurry of cornstarch and water at the end helps thicken the stew to the desired consistency.
– Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
– Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious broth.