Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Steak Stew! Imagine coming home after a long day to the rich, hearty aroma of tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a depth of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just another stew recipe - it's a warm hug in a bowl that promises to become your new go-to comfort meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are of uniform size for even cooking. Peel and slice the carrots, dice the potatoes into small chunks, and chop the onion finely.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches, browning them on all sides. This step adds flavor to the stew. Remove the browned meat and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will enhance the flavor of the stew. If needed, add a little more oil to the pan.
- Once the onion is cooked, add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir well, allowing it to cook for an additional 2 minutes. This will help deepen the flavor of the stew.
- Transfer the browned beef and sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and the thyme. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the stew to cook for approximately 8 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and meld the flavors together.
- After 8 hours, check the stew for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir this mixture into the stew and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once finished, serve the steak stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!
Tips
- Browning the meat is crucial - take your time to sear the beef cubes until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Larger chunks might not cook through, while smaller pieces could become mushy.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce when you add the beef broth.
- If you're short on time in the morning, you can prep all ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Simply dump everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
- To prevent a watery stew, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking. Each time you remove the lid, you lose heat and moisture.
- For a richer gravy, use the cornstarch slurry method mentioned in the recipe to thicken the stew in the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
