Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew 🍲🥩

This comforting beef stew is a classic recipe that's perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and the meat to become tender and succulent. It’s a dish that's sure to warm your heart and fill your belly! Pair it with crusty bread for a full meal experience. 🌟🥖

Ingredients

For the stew

• 3 pounds cubed beef stew meat
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 4 large potatoes, cubed
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 package dry onion soup mix
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat: Place the beef stew meat in a large plastic bag. Combine 1/4 cup flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt, pour into the bag with the meat, and shake to coat evenly.

   🥩 Coating the meat in flour helps to create a tasty crust and thickens the stew as it cooks.

2. Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat and cook until evenly browned on the outside. Transfer to a slow cooker.

3. Add Vegetables: Add the baby carrots, cubed potatoes, parsley, and black pepper to the slow cooker with the meat.

4. Mix the Broth: In a small bowl, mix together the boiling water and dry onion soup mix, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker.

5. Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the sliced onions until softened. Add them to the slow cooker.

6. Dew Your Skillet: Pour the red wine (if using) into the skillet and stir to loosen any browned bits from the pan; add this to the slow cooker.

7. Cook: Cover and cook on High for 30 minutes. Then reduce the heat to Low and cook for 6 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.

8. Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons flour with 1/4 cup warm water. Stir this slurry into the stew, then cook uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.

   🔥 If your stew appears too watery, this step will help create that rich, hearty texture we all love!

Tips & Variations

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat! 🌶️
• Veggie Lovers: Feel free to toss in any other favorite vegetables such as peas, green beans, or bell peppers.
• Make it a Classic: Serve with fresh thyme for an aromatic touch that complements the beef beautifully.
• Make Ahead: This stew saves well. Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and reheat—flavors will only get better!

This stew is truly a crowd-pleaser and evokes the warmth of home-cooked meals. Enjoy every delicious bite! 🥰🍽️