When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the timeless appeal of a well-made beef stew. Its rich, hearty flavors and tender chunks of beef are a source of solace and satisfaction on a cold day or any day when you need a warm, filling meal. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to create a delicious Slow Cooker Beef Stew that’s easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups of beef broth
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 large bay leaf
Directions
Let’s start cooking this comforting classic step by step:
1. Prepare the Meat
- Begin by placing the 2 pounds of beef stew meat into your slow cooker.
2. Coat the Meat
- In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Sprinkle this flour mixture over the meat in the slow cooker and stir until the meat is evenly coated.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning
- Next, add the 1 1/2 cups of beef broth, 4 medium sliced carrots, 3 medium diced potatoes, 1 chopped medium onion, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of ground paprika, 1 minced clove of garlic, and 1 large bay leaf to the slow cooker.
- Stir the ingredients to combine everything thoroughly.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 8 to 12 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours. The beef stew is ready when the meat becomes so tender that it can be easily cut with a spoon.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a steaming, comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Stew that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you enjoy it as a family dinner or a solo meal on a chilly evening, this classic recipe is a winner.
So, don’t hesitate to savor the rich flavors of this beloved dish, and share it with your loved ones. After all, a bowl of homemade beef stew is the perfect way to create heartwarming memories around the dinner table.