Savory Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This hearty and flavorful slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners. Inspired by countless recipes, I crafted my own version that combines the best ingredients, resulting in rich flavors and tender beef. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender stew meat, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that will leave your taste buds delighted. Paired with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice, this stew is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. It's an easy, hands-off recipe that is perfect for busy days, making it a staple in our home!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
3 large (peeled and diced)
Carrots
1 cup (sliced)
Beef stew meat
1.5 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (for browning)
Flour
1/2 cup (for coating and thickening)
Beef broth
4 cups (preferably low-sodium)
Onion
1 medium (grated)
Corn
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Sliced mushrooms
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
Dried parsley
1 tablespoon
Dried sage
1 teaspoon
Dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Cover and microwave on high for about 6 minutes until the potatoes are just tender but not fully cooked.
2
While the vegetables are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3
Place the flour in a gallon-sized plastic bag. Add the bite-sized beef stew meat to the bag, seal it, and shake until the meat is well coated with flour.
4
Carefully add the coated beef to the heated skillet. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
5
Add the partially cooked potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker with the beef.
6
Pour in the beef broth and add the grated onion, drained corn, drained mushrooms, dried parsley, dried sage, dried marjoram, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
7
Take the remaining flour from the plastic bag, adding it to the slow cooker along with enough additional flour to total 1/3 cup in the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly.
8
Set the slow cooker to low and let it simmer for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
9
If the stew is not at your desired thickness after 4 hours, remove the lid, turn the slow cooker to high, and let it cook for an additional 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can mix more flour or cornstarch with water and add it to reach your preferred thickness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this stew?
The main protein is 1.5 lbs of beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How long should the stew cook in the slow cooker?
The stew should simmer on the low setting for about 4 hours.
What is the purpose of microwaving the potatoes and carrots?
Microwaving the vegetables for about 6 minutes ensures they are just tender before being added to the slow cooker.
How do you prepare the beef before slow cooking?
The beef is coated in flour using a plastic bag and then browned in a skillet with olive oil for 5-7 minutes.
What vegetables are included in this beef stew?
The recipe includes potatoes, carrots, corn, sliced mushrooms, and grated onion.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with dried parsley, dried sage, and dried marjoram.
How much beef broth is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of beef broth, preferably low-sodium.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be grated before being added to the mixture.
Do the canned vegetables need to be drained?
Yes, both the 15-ounce can of corn and the 4-ounce can of sliced mushrooms should be drained.
What can I do if the stew is not thick enough after 4 hours?
You can remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 30-60 minutes, or add a mixture of flour or cornstarch with water.
How much olive oil is used for browning?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil for browning the meat.
What should the total amount of flour in the slow cooker mixture be?
You should add enough additional flour to the slow cooker to reach a total of 1/3 cup in the mixture.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
This stew is best served with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice.
How much salt and pepper are added?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, both to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy schedule?
Yes, it is described as an easy, hands-off recipe perfect for busy days once the initial prep is done.
What size should the beef pieces be?
The beef stew meat should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
How are the potatoes prepared?
Three large potatoes should be peeled and diced.
How are the carrots prepared?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sliced carrots.
Can I use regular beef broth?
Yes, though low-sodium beef broth is preferred.
What type of bag is used to coat the meat?
A gallon-sized plastic bag is used to shake the meat with flour.
How long should the beef brown in the skillet?
The beef should brown on all sides for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
What setting should the slow cooker be on?
The slow cooker should be set to the low heat setting for the primary cook time.
What is the texture of the finished beef?
The beef becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Should I stir the stew while it cooks?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the stew occasionally during the 4-hour cooking period.
What happens to the flour used for coating?
The remaining flour from the coating bag is added to the slow cooker to help thicken the stew.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate comfort food for cozy family dinners.
Can I add extra flour at the end?
Yes, you can mix more flour with water to reach your preferred thickness if needed.
What makes the flavors rich in this recipe?
The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and browned beef creates a rich flavor profile.
How much dried parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.