Imagine coming home after a long day to the enticing aroma of a hearty Italian meal wafting through your door. This Slow Cooker Marsala Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort dish that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. With tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection in a rich Marsala wine sauce, paired with vibrant vegetables, this stew is not just a meal—it's an experience! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply looking to indulge in a cozy night in, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. Ready to discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from beef stew meat and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes if not already prepared.
- Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown meat on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. This step helps develop rich, deep flavor and creates a nice caramelized exterior.
- Transfer browned meat to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and slightly translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze the skillet with Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the Marsala wine mixture over the meat in the slow cooker.
- Add chopped carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, and dried thyme to the slow cooker.
- Stir all ingredients to ensure even distribution and proper mixing.
- Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 8 hours, or until meat is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or thyme.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best flavor and tenderness, opt for cuts like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
- Don’t Skip Browning the Meat: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor significantly. It creates a delicious caramelized crust that adds depth to your stew.
- Use Quality Marsala Wine: The type of Marsala wine you choose can greatly affect the taste of your stew. A good quality dry Marsala will add richness, while a sweet one can make the dish overly sweet.
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, you can chop your vegetables and season your beef the night before. Simply store them in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to toss in the slow cooker in the morning.
- Adjust Seasonings: After cooking, always taste your stew and adjust the seasonings as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the flavors.
- Add Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme just before serving not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of fresh flavor.
- Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve your stew with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s the perfect complement to this hearty dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 544kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
