🥘 Hearty Slow Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew

📝 Description

This classic stew is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. Tender chunks of beef slow-cook with root vegetables, herbs, and broth until everything melts together into a flavorful, nourishing dish. It’s ideal for busy days—just set it and forget it.

🧾 Ingredients

Serves: 6–8

• 800g–1 kg beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup green beans (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

• Toss beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper.
• Heat oil in a pan and brown the beef on all sides (adds flavor).

2. Layer Ingredients

• Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
• Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, celery, and green beans.

3. Add Liquids & Seasoning

• Pour in beef broth.
• Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.

4. Slow Cook

• Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.

5. Final Touch

• Remove bay leaf.
• Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Optional: thicken with a cornstarch slurry if needed.

📌 Notes

• Browning the beef is optional but highly recommended for richer flavor.
• Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
• You can substitute beef chuck with stew meat or lamb.

💡 Tips for Best Results

• Use low setting for maximum tenderness.
• Add delicate vegetables (like peas) in the last 30 minutes.
• Let stew rest 10–15 minutes before serving for better texture.
• For deeper flavor, make it a day ahead—stews taste better the next day.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or rice.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Pair with a simple green salad.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 350–450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4–6g
• Sodium: ~600mg

(Values vary based on ingredients used.)

🌿 Health Benefits

• High protein from beef supports muscle growth and repair
• Rich in iron—helps prevent anemia
• Vegetables provide fiber for digestion
• Slow cooking preserves nutrients
• Balanced meal with carbs, protein, and healthy fats

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this without browning the beef?
Yes, but browning adds deeper flavor. Skipping it saves time but slightly reduces richness.

Q: Can I freeze this stew?
Absolutely. Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: What’s the best cut of beef?
Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender when slow-cooked.

Q: How do I thicken the stew?
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, stir in, and cook for 15 minutes more.

Q: Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Yes—use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook for ~35 minutes.

Q: How do I make it healthier?

• Use lean beef
• Reduce salt
• Add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini