Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Beef Stew for Two?
It is a hearty, small-batch meal featuring tender beef chunks, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a rich broth, designed specifically to provide two generous servings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is portioned to provide two generous bowlfuls of stew.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 2-quart slow cooker is recommended for this specific portion size.
How long does it take to cook the stew?
The stew should be cooked on the low setting for 6 hours.
What setting should my slow cooker be on?
You should use the low setting to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
What type of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of beef stew meat cut into 1-inch chunks.
How do I prepare the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
You coat the beef chunks in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder by shaking them together in a plastic bag.
What are the dry ingredients for the beef coating?
The coating consists of 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
The potatoes should be peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces, totaling 1 1/2 cups.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of diced carrots.
What liquid is used for the stew base?
The liquid base is a mixture of 1 1/2 cups beef broth and 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf is nestled on top of the ingredients during cooking to add aromatic flavor to the broth.
Should I keep the bay leaf in the stew when serving?
No, you should carefully remove and discard the bay leaf once the cooking time is complete.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 27.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this stew?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there are 2.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the best way to serve this stew?
Serve it hot in bowls alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Can I adjust the seasonings in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is easily adjustable for your personal preference for seasonings.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great option for a hearty meal without the hassle of excessive leftovers.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a large plastic bag.
Where do I place the beef in the slow cooker?
The coated beef chunks should be spread evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
How are the vegetables layered in the slow cooker?
The diced potatoes and carrots are layered on top of the beef.
Do I need to mix the broth and Worcestershire sauce before adding them?
Yes, mix them in a separate bowl before pouring the mixture over the meat and vegetables.
What is the texture of the beef after cooking?
The beef becomes tender after simmering for 6 hours on the low setting.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is easily adjustable for larger groups if you use a larger slow cooker.
Is onion powder required?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of onion powder to flavor the beef coating.
Does this stew contain garlic?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in the flour mixture.