Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew has earned its place as a quintessential comfort food, cherished across numerous cultures and generations. Historically, this dish has been a reliable source of nourishment, often prepared in large quantities to feed families and gatherings. The essence of beef stew lies in its ability to bring people together, creating a sense of warmth and belonging during shared meals. The slow-cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a robust aroma that permeates throughout the home, evoking memories of cozy evenings spent with loved ones.

Each spoonful of slow cooker beef stew encapsulates not just ingredients, but also the love and care invested in its preparation. There is something profoundly satisfying about watching simple, hearty vegetables and tender beef transform into a rich, savory dish, a testament to the power of cooking from scratch. This transformation serves not merely as nourishment, but as a vessel for familial bonds. The act of gathering around the dinner table to enjoy a steaming bowl of stew is a practice that transcends mere sustenance; it fosters connection, conversation, and community.

Slow Cooker Magic

The slow cooker method has long been a favorite among home cooks, particularly for hearty meals like slow cooker beef stew. One of the most significant advantages of using a slow cooker is the convenience it offers. Once the ingredients are prepared and placed in the pot, it allows for hands-off cooking. This quality makes it an ideal solution for busy families, as you can set it and forget it, freeing up valuable time for other activities. This method is particularly beneficial for those who might struggle to find time to prepare dinner after a long day.

Another key benefit of slow cooking is the enhancement of flavors. When making beef stew in a slow cooker, the prolonged cooking time allows various ingredients, from vegetables to herbs and seasonings, to meld beautifully. The gradual heat extracts flavors from the meat while allowing them to permeate the broth, resulting in a rich and complex taste profile that is hard to achieve through quicker cooking methods. This flavor development is vital, as the various notes combine to create a more robust and satisfying stew.

Essential Ingredients for a Hearty and Flavorful Stew

The foundation of a delicious slow cooker beef stew lies in the quality of its ingredients. Selecting top-notch cuts of beef is paramount; chuck roast is a popular choice due to its rich marbling and flavor, which break down beautifully during the slow cooking process. When cut into bite-sized pieces, the beef becomes tender and infuses the entire dish with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.

Aromatic vegetables play a crucial role in elevating the slow cooker beef stew. Onions, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix, providing a harmonic blend of sweetness and earthiness. As these vegetables soften, they release their natural sugars, creating a savory base that enhances the overall taste. Additionally, the use of garlic adds a pungent aroma, brightening up the dish with its distinct flavor. Potatoes contribute texture and heartiness, soaking up the rich broth while becoming creamy as they simmer.

The Perfect Stew Experience

Serving slow cooker beef stew is not just about placing it on the table; it is about elevating the dining experience for you and your loved ones. To enhance this heartwarming dish, consider pairing it with crusty bread or dinner rolls. The texture of freshly baked bread complements the stew beautifully, allowing you to soak up the rich, flavorful broth, ensuring none of the deliciousness goes to waste.

For those looking to add a fresh element to their meal, a simple side salad can provide a delightful contrast to the hearty nature of beef stew. Think of a light arugula salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, which can cleanse the palate and add an exciting crunch to each bite. Additionally, roasted vegetables are a wonderful complement. Their caramelized sweetness balances out the savory depth of the beef stew, creating a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds stew meat, see notes
• ½ teaspoon EACH: black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, divided
• 2 cups yellow onions, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cabernet sauvignon, or merlot. See notes.
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 5 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup Cold Water + 3 tablespoons Corn Starch, Optional
• 2-3 drops Gravy Master, *Optional*- Adds a richer, darker color.

Instructions

• 1.Cut meat into 1-inch cubes, discard any large pieces of fat. Fat marbleized into the meat is fine!
• 2.Sprinkle beef with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss to coat. Sprinkle flour over the meat and toss again.
• 3.Heat 3 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat in batches, don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown on each side for 45 seconds. Add more oil if needed. Transfer to slow cooker.
• 4.Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 Tablespoon butter. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add a splash of wine and use a silicone spatula to deglaze the pan, loosening up any brown remnants. This will give the stew lots of good flavor. Transfer the onions/garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
• 5.Add all remaining ingredients except for the peas, corn starch mixture, and 2 tablespoons of cold butter.
• 6.Cook on low for 7 ½ to 8 hours or high for 3½ to 4 hours, until the vegetables are softened and the potatoes are fork tender.
• 7.Add the peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaves and rosemary stem.
• 8.Optional: To thicken, combine ¼ cup COLD water with 3 Tablespoons of cornstarch. Slowly add it to the stew, stirring to incorporate. It will continue to thicken upon standing.
• 9.Turn off the heat. Swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a smooth, velvety finish. This is a technique that chefs use called “Monter au Beurre”.
  Optional: Add 3 drops of Gravy Master for an even darker color.