Imagine walking into your kitchen to the irresistible aroma of "Mom's Slow Cooked Beef Stew," a dish that promises warmth and comfort with every bite. This classic American recipe is not just a meal; it's a heartfelt experience that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening. Ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy haven? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover the magic of slow cooking that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper. Chop the onion, slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, and mince the garlic. Set all the prepared ingredients aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the seasoned beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, approximately 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to the stew.
- Once the onion and garlic are ready, add them to the slow cooker with the beef. Then, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Stir gently to mix everything together.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the stew to cook for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and blend the flavors beautifully.
- After 8 hours, check the stew for seasoning. Remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to create a thicker consistency.
- Once seasoned to your liking, serve the beef stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal with crusty bread or over rice for a complete dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after long cooking times. Avoid lean cuts that may dry out.
- Sear the Meat: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the beef in a skillet first enhances the flavor of the stew by creating a rich, caramelized crust.
- Layer Your Ingredients: To ensure even cooking, layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, with the meat on the bottom and vegetables on top. This allows the beef to soak up all the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning. Adding a splash of vinegar or a pinch of sugar can balance out the flavors beautifully.
- Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker or stir in a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
- Make It Ahead: This stew keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors only get better! Consider making it a day ahead for a hassle-free dinner.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your beef stew with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal and soak up that delicious broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
