Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew 🥘🍖

This cozy and hearty beef stew is perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you'll have time to relax while the delicious aromas fill your home. Plus, this recipe is easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices!

Ingredients

For the stew

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional add-ins

• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes).

🍖 Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew!

• Place the seared beef in the slow cooker. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, and any optional add-ins you desire.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

⏳ Slow cooking allows all the ingredients to develop a rich flavor, making this stew even better the longer it simmers. If you're in a hurry, the high setting works just fine but might not yield as tender meat.

• If you added a bay leaf, remember to remove it before serving.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute beef with hearty vegetables like butternut squash and add lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy: Kick up the flavor by adding a dash of crushed red pepper or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy depth.
• Herbed: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill in place of dried herbs for a brighter flavor.
• High altitude: At high elevations, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly or add more liquid to prevent over-reduction of the stew.

Enjoy the comforts of home with this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew—the perfect way to warm your heart and stomach! 🍽️❤️