Cold weather can be a bit of a drag, but it's the perfect excuse to stay in, snuggle up, and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal. Nothing screams comfort food quite like a hearty beef stew, and when you make it in a slow cooker, you're sure to have a delicious meal with minimal effort. This slow cooker beef stew recipe is the perfect dish for a cozy night in!
Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew
To make this slow cooker beef stew, you'll need a few simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. You'll need 2 pounds of stew beef, which you can use cubed beef chuck, sirloin, or round steak. You'll also need 4-6 potatoes, depending on your preference and the size of the potatoes, and carrots - about 4-6 of those as well. For the liquids, you'll need 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of red wine, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Finally, you'll need 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Beef Stew
To start making your slow cooker beef stew, begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stew beef and cook until it is lightly browned on all sides. Once the beef is browned, transfer it to a slow cooker. Next, add the potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, red wine, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the top of the mixture and stir everything together. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. After 8 hours, your slow cooker beef stew should be done. Serve it with some crusty bread and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker
When it comes to making beef stew in a slow cooker, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the perfect stew. First, make sure you brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Browning the beef helps to seal in the flavor and makes for a tastier stew. Second, adjust the cooking time based on how you prefer your beef. If you like your beef to be tender and falling apart, cook it for 8 hours or longer. For firmer, more toothsome beef, reduce the cooking time to 6-7 hours. Finally, if you want a thicker stew, you can add a few tablespoons of cornstarch to the broth before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help thicken the stew and make it more gravy-like. Making beef stew in a slow cooker is an easy way to create a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort. With these tips, you'll be sure to have the perfect slow cooker beef stew every time!
Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Once your slow cooker beef stew is done cooking, there are plenty of delicious ways to serve it. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or over a bed of egg noodles for a comforting meal. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad. If you want to switch things up, try serving your beef stew with a side of crusty bread, like a French baguette or dinner rolls. You could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or even some roasted potatoes. Whatever you serve it with, your slow cooker beef stew is sure to be a hit!
Conclusion
Making beef stew in a slow cooker is an easy and delicious way to create a comforting meal with minimal effort. With this slow cooker beef stew recipe, you'll have a delicious dish that you can serve with a variety of sides. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal for a cold night, or just want to whip up a delicious dinner, this slow cooker beef stew is sure to hit the spot!
