Are you craving a mouthwatering, soul-warming dinner that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this incredible Slow Cooker Comfort Food Dinner that will transform your ordinary weeknight into a culinary celebration! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, savory aromas and a perfectly tender beef stew that's been slowly simmering all day, promising to comfort and satisfy your deepest hunger cravings.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 4 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef stew meat by patting it dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning and seasoning adherence.
- Season the beef stew meat generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
- Chop the mixed vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Place the seasoned beef stew meat at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an initial layer.
- Add the chopped mixed vegetables on top of the meat, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Pour the beef broth over the meat and vegetables, ensuring sufficient liquid coverage for slow cooking.
- Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the ingredients to enhance the depth of flavor and provide additional moisture.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat setting for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and vegetables to cook thoroughly.
- After 8 hours, carefully remove the lid and check the meat's tenderness by gently pulling it apart with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding additional salt and pepper to preference.
- Serve hot directly from the slow cooker, portioning the stew into individual bowls.
Tips
- Pat the beef stew meat completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful, rich browning that locks in flavor.
- For extra depth, consider briefly searing the meat in a hot pan before adding to the slow cooker to develop a deeper flavor profile.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level and allow you to season more precisely.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the 8-hour slow cook is crucial for breaking down tough meat fibers and creating melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For added richness, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
