How to Make Beef Stew in Slow Cooker: A Flavorful and Nutritious OnePot Recipe
How to Make Beef Stew in Slow Cooker?
To make beef stew in a slow cooker, start by cutting the beef into 1-inch cubes and seasoning with pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt.
Sear the beef in batches until browned and transfer it to the slow cooker.
In the same pan, soften onions and garlic in butter and wine, then add to the slow cooker.
Add potatoes, carrots, peas, beef broth, and any optional ingredients.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Add peas in the last 15 minutes and thicken the broth with a cornstarch mixture.
Optional additions include celery, green beans, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.
Serve with crusty bread, red wine, and a side salad.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Key Points:
- Cut beef into 1-inch cubes and season with pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt
- Brown beef and transfer to slow cooker
- Soften onions and garlic in butter and wine, then add to slow cooker
- Add potatoes, carrots, peas, beef broth, and optional ingredients
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours
- Add peas in the last 15 minutes and thicken broth with cornstarch mixture
Did You Know?
1. The origin of beef stew can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was originally known as “carbonnade,” a dish cooked with beer, beef, and onions.
2. The slow cooker, also known as a crock-pot, was invented by Irving Naxon in 1940. He was inspired by his grandmother’s traditional bean stew, which was slow-cooked in a pot in the oven for hours.
3. In traditional French cuisine, beef stew is often prepared using a cooking method called “braising,” which involves searing the meat to enhance flavor and then simmering it in a liquid over low heat to ensure tenderness.
4. An interesting variation of beef stew is the Hungarian goulash, which incorporates ingredients like paprika, caraway seeds, and sour cream. It is typically served with spaetzle, a type of homemade egg noodle.
5. The Guinness World Record for the largest pot of beef stew ever made was set in 2014. The pot contained a whopping 6,961 liters (1,536 gallons) of stew and was cooked in the United States. It required over 36 hours of slow-cooking!
Tender And Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and fills the belly. This recipe for beef stew in a slow cooker takes the dish to a new level of tenderness and heartiness. The meat in this beef stew recipe is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the stew itself is rich, chunky, and full of flavor.
To begin, gather all the necessary ingredients, including:
- Beef
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Peas
- Red wine
- Onions
- Garlic
- Beef broth
Choose a good cut of beef, such as chuck roast, for the stew. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Season the beef with pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt to add depth to the flavor.
The next step is to sear the beef. This process involves browning the meat in a hot pan to caramelize the surface, giving it a rich and savory flavor. To achieve the best results, sear the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Once each batch is nicely browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Convenience: Cook Time And Method
Using a slow cooker to make this beef stew is not only convenient but also ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender. The slow cooking method allows for long, gentle simmering, which tenderizes the beef while infusing the flavors of the other ingredients.
It is recommended to cook the beef stew in the slow cooker for about 7-8 hours on low heat. This lengthy cooking time allows the meat to become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The slow cooker method is perfect for those who want a no-fuss, hands-off approach to cooking. Once everything is added to the slow cooker, there is no need to babysit the stew – it takes care of itself, allowing you to go about your day without worry.
- Using a slow cooker ensures tender meat
- Long, gentle simmering infuses flavors
- Cook for 7-8 hours on low heat
- No-fuss, hands-off approach to cooking
- Stew takes care of itself
“Using a slow cooker to make this beef stew is not only convenient but also ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender.”
Achieving Caramelized Flavor: Searing The Stew Meat
One essential step in this beef stew recipe is searing the stew meat before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Searing the beef enhances the flavor and gives it a crispy texture.
- The caramelization that occurs during searing adds depth and richness to the overall taste of the stew.
However, if you are short on time or prefer a more hands-off approach, you can skip the searing step.
- Raw beef can be placed directly into the slow cooker without compromising the overall taste and quality of the stew.
- The slow cooking process will still result in tender meat, although without the crispy texture provided by searing.
- Searing the stew meat before placing it in the slow cooker
- Enhances the flavor and gives it a crispy texture
- Caramelization adds depth and richness to the overall taste of the stew
- Skip the searing step if short on time or prefer a more hands-off approach
- Raw beef can be placed directly into the slow cooker without compromising taste and quality
- Slow cooking process still results in tender meat, but without the crispy texture searing provides.
Alternative Methods: Stovetop And Instant Pot Versions
Slow Cooker Method for Beef Stew:
- Highly recommended for this beef stew recipe.
- Slow cooker alternative methods available for quicker cooking time or no slow cooker.
- Stovetop version:
- Use a large pot over low heat.
- Follow similar steps as slow cooker method.
- Simmer the stew for 2-3 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.
Instant Pot Method for Beef Stew:
- Instant Pot version for those who own one.
- Significant reduction in cooking time.
- Steps:
- Use the sauté function to sear the beef directly in the Instant Pot.
- Add all other ingredients.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for about 30 minutes.
- Perform a quick release of the pressure.
- This method maintains the flavor and tenderness of the stew.
“The slow cooker method is highly recommended for this beef stew recipe, however, there are alternative methods available for those who prefer a quicker cooking time or don’t have a slow cooker on hand.”
Recommended Ingredients And Seasonings
This beef stew recipe calls for a variety of ingredients that contribute to its rich and satisfying taste. Along with the main ingredients of beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas, the stew is also flavored with onions, garlic, red wine, and beef broth.
When choosing the beef, opt for a cut that is well-marbled and suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast. Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes work best for this stew, providing a creamy texture and excellent flavor. The onions and garlic are softened in butter and red wine before being added to the slow cooker, imparting a sweet and aromatic taste.
For added depth of flavor, consider adding optional ingredients such as celery, green beans, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. These additions can complement the stew with their unique textures and flavors. Season the stew with pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt, but be sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
Storage And Serving Suggestions
Once the beef stew is cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy this hearty dish. Serve the stew hot and steaming, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping. The bread helps soak up the flavorful broth, enhancing the overall experience. A glass of red wine can be the perfect companion to this comforting meal, as its rich flavors complement the beef and other ingredients.
To add a touch of freshness to the meal, serve the beef stew alongside a side salad. The crisp and vibrant flavors of the salad contrast nicely with the rich and robust stew, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. The flavors of the stew will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. For longer storage, the beef stew can also be frozen for up to three months. Simply transfer the stew to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
making beef stew in a slow cooker is a foolproof way to achieve tender and hearty results. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while transforming the beef into moist and succulent bites. Whether you choose the slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot version, this beef stew is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your kitchen tongs and Crock Pot, and get ready to savor this mouthwatering one-pot dish.
Remember to sign up for our email list to receive a free meal plan featuring popular recipes, including this beef stew, and elevate your culinary adventures to new heights. Stay tuned for more flavorful and nutritious recipes, and learn how to make everyday cooking a delightful and rewarding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw beef in slow cooker?
Absolutely! Raw beef can be successfully cooked in a slow cooker. Although it is not always necessary, browning the beef beforehand can enhance the flavor profile by creating deeper and more robust tastes. Therefore, feel free to toss your raw beef into the slow cooker for a delicious and tender result.
How do you slow cook beef stew?
To slow cook beef stew, start by placing beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic into a 6-qt slow cooker. Then, stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, caraway seeds, and bay leaves until well combined. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together and results in tender, flavorful beef stew.
How to make beef tender in slow cooker?
To make beef tender in a slow cooker, start by ensuring there is enough liquid in the cooker to cover the meat partially, about 1-2cm from the base. This can be done by adding stock, water, or any desired liquid. Then, cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 5-8 hours. This slow and steady cooking process will ensure that the meat becomes tender and easily falls apart when probed with a fork. With these simple steps, you’ll have deliciously tender beef that is perfect for various recipes and meals.
Do you need liquid for beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is advisable to use liquid when cooking beef in a slow cooker. The added liquid, such as beef broth or wine, helps to create steam and maintain moisture throughout the cooking process. This ensures that the heat is effectively transferred to the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful beef. It is generally recommended to fill the slow cooker with enough liquid to cover the beef partially, usually filling the stoneware around 1/2 to 3/4 full, as suggested by some manufacturers. This helps with even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out.