Slow Cooker Chunky Beef and Potato Stew 🍲🥩

This hearty slow cooker stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings! Infused with savory herbs and spices, the tender beef and chunky vegetables come together to create a warm and satisfying meal. Throw it in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to the delightful smell of home-cooked stew!

Ingredients

For the stew

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients: In a large bowl, season the beef cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.

2. Layer it up: Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, add the seasoned beef on top of the vegetables.

3. Mix the broth: In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well blended, and then pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.

4. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.

🍖 When cooking on low, the flavors have time to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer dish. If you’re short on time, high cook mode works wonders as well—just keep an eye on the cooking process.

5. Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, and let it thicken.

6. Serve and enjoy: When ready, ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with warm crusty bread on the side.

🍞 The crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy! You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant, and use vegetable broth. Add canned lentils for protein.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick!
• Herb-forward: For a fresh twist, stir in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or basil just before serving.
• High altitude: Increase cooking time by approximately 15-30 minutes as needed, and check for tenderness earlier.

Enjoy this comforting stew with family and friends—it’s sure to warm the heart and fill the belly! 🍽️💕