Indulge in Cozy Comfort: Unlocking the Magic of Slow Cooker Beef Stew
As the temperatures drop, there's no better way to embrace the season than with a bowl of hearty slow cooker beef stew. In this blog post, we'll explore the art of slow cooking and share a mouthwatering recipe that promises both convenience and deliciousness. Get ready to elevate your comfort food game and create a culinary experience that's perfect for chilly nights and laid-back weekends.
Why Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
Discover the secret to unlocking the full potential of your slow cooker – transforming tough cuts of beef into succulent, flavorful perfection. With minimal effort, you can achieve a rich, savory stew that tantalizes the taste buds. Dive into the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, allowing you to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal without the fuss.
The key ingredients that elevate this slow cooker beef stew to culinary masterpiece status include:
Quality Beef Chuck: This cut is well-marbled and, when slow-cooked, becomes fork-tender, infusing the stew with rich flavor.
Flavourful Broth: A good-quality broth enhances the overall depth and savoury character of the dish.
Red Wine: For an extra layer of complexity. Ust it to deglaze the pan after browning the beef. This step contributes a nuanced richness to the stew.
Aromatics - Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide a flavourful base.
Root Vegetables - Carrots and Potatoes: Add sweetness and heartiness. These vegetables not only contribute flavour but also absorb the savory essence of the stew.
Celery: Add celery stalks for a mild, herbal note that complements the other ingredients.
Frozen Peas: Add a burst of color and freshness. This maintains their vibrant green colour and ensures a pop of sweetness in every bite.
Herbs - Bay Leaves, and Thyme: Enhance the stew's aroma and flavour . These herbs contribute a fragrant and earthy dimension to the dish.
Tomato Paste/Puree: Intensify the richness and deepen the color of the stew. This adds a subtle tangy element that balances the savory flavorus.
Final Touch and Serving Suggestions:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the stew. This adds a burst of color and a pop of freshness.
Crusty Bread, Biscuits, or Dinner Rolls: The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavourful broth.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For an extra layer of comfort, spoon the slow cooker beef stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Side Salad: Balance the richness of the stew with a simple side salad. A light vinaigrette or lemon-based dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty main course.
Wine Pairing: If you've used red wine in your stew, consider serving the same wine alongside the meal. A robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the savoury flavours of the beef.
Embrace the warmth and comfort of the season with this ultimate slow cooker beef stew recipe. Perfect for busy schedules and lazy weekends, this dish is a celebration of simplicity and flavour – your taste buds will thank you!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) stewing beef (about 1 inch cubes)
1/4 cup flour for the beef
1/4 cup olive oil
4 carrots, peeled sliced into ½ inch rounds
4 celery stalks, diced
1 medium onion, diced
5 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red wine (if you drink it you can cook with it)
2 tbsp worcestershire
1 cup tomato puree
4 cups reduced sodium beef stock
1 handful fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups frozen peas (optional)
For the roux
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup AP flour
Instructions
In a large bowl add the stewing beef and ¼ cup flour, toss to coat.
Set your slow cooker to saute mode. If your slow cooker doesn’t have this feature, use a frying pan. Add your olive oil, beef and brown the chunks. It should only take about 2-3 minutes. Work in batches if you need, to avoid crowding the pan or slow cooker.
Remove the beef using a slotted spoon and set aside.
To the slow cooker or same pan,add your wine and stir and scrape all the bits from the bottom of the pan. Let that simmer for 1-2 minutes and add it to your slow cooker if using a pan.
Turn the slow cooker off, add all your ingredients (except the flour and butter for the roux) and mix to combine. Cover and set your it to low, for 8 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to high for 4-5 hours.
Make the roux by adding the flour and butter to a small pot and cook on low, whisking continuously until smooth, this should take about 3-4 minutes.
During the last 30 minutes of cook time add the roux and frozen peas to your slow cooker, stir, cover and let it continue to cook until it’s complete the cooking time.
Top with fresh parsley and serve with fresh crusty bread or homemade biscuits.
