Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in. This slow cooker beef stew recipe is easy to make and full of hearty ingredients that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Beef stew has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The slow cooker method of cooking stew has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it allows for a hands-off approach to cooking that results in tender, flavorful meat and vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of beef, cubed
2 cups of beef stock
8 radishes
10 pearl onions
2 lb (907 g) of potatoes, chopped
1 cup of turnips, chopped
1 cup of carrots, chopped
1 tbsp of worcestershire sauce

How to prepare

Coat the beef with flour and beef seasoning.
Brown the beef.
Add the beef and 2 cups of beef stock to the slow cooker.
Add turnips, onions, radishes, and Worcestershire sauce.
Turn on the slow cooker and cook for 8 hours.
4 hours before eating, add the potatoes.
2 hours before eating, add the carrots.

Variations

Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Swap out the beef for lamb or pork for a different twist on this classic dish.
Add in some mushrooms or peas for additional texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker will add depth of flavor to the stew.

- Adding the potatoes later in the cooking process will prevent them from becoming mushy.

- For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty beef stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking allows the flavors of the beef and vegetables to meld together over time, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein sources. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this beef stew in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this slow cooker beef stew with a glass of red wine or a hearty beer for the perfect accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this slow cooker beef stew contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This slow cooker beef stew recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this beef stew contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

With a generous amount of beef in this stew, each serving provides about 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This beef stew is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables included, such as vitamin C from the radishes and carrots, and potassium from the potatoes and turnips.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and Worcestershire sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this slow cooker beef stew is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This slow cooker beef stew is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a chilly day. Packed with tender beef and a variety of vegetables, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As soon as I read the ingredients and the instructions for making Slow Cooker Beef Stew, I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a little girl watching my own mother and grandmother in the kitchen. They were both incredible cooks, and I learned so much from them over the years. But there was something about this particular recipe that called out to me, that made me want to put my own spin on it and make it my own.

The ingredients were simple enough - beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a few basic seasonings. But the secret, I soon discovered, was in the slow cooking process. By allowing the stew to simmer low and slow for hours on end, the flavors would meld together in a way that was simply magical.

I decided to make the stew for my family that weekend. I gathered all the ingredients together, chopped the vegetables, and seared the beef in a hot skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker. As the stew began to bubble away, filling the house with the most amazing aroma, I knew I was onto something special.

When it was finally time to serve the stew, my family gathered eagerly around the table. The first bite was met with a chorus of approval - the beef was tender, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the broth was rich and flavorful. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made Slow Cooker Beef Stew countless times. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to suit my family's tastes. But the basic formula has remained the same, and it never fails to impress.

One day, while browsing through the local farmers market, I struck up a conversation with an elderly woman who was selling fresh herbs and spices. As we chatted, I mentioned my love for cooking and my fondness for Slow Cooker Beef Stew. To my surprise, the woman's eyes lit up, and she reached into her bag to pull out a small vial of dried herbs.

"These are for you," she said, pressing the vial into my hand. "They will take your stew to the next level."

I thanked her profusely and hurried home to try out the new addition to my recipe. And sure enough, the herbs added a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before. From that day on, I made sure to always include a sprinkle of those special herbs in my Slow Cooker Beef Stew.

As the years went by, I continued to collect recipes and tips from friends, family, and even strangers. Each new addition to my repertoire brought its own unique twist to the dishes I already knew and loved. But no matter how many new recipes I tried, Slow Cooker Beef Stew remained a constant favorite.

Now, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of simmering stew, I can't help but feel grateful for all the knowledge and wisdom that has been passed down to me over the years. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, to show them how much I care through the simple act of preparing a delicious meal.

And Slow Cooker Beef Stew, with its warm and hearty flavors, will always hold a special place in my heart. It's a dish that brings people together, that warms the soul on even the coldest of days. And as long as I have a stove and a pot, I know that I will continue to make this recipe for years to come.