Slow Cooker Savory Beef Stew Recipe

Slow Cooker Savory Beef Stew Recipe

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This recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Designed for slow cooking, it allows the meat to absorb the marinade deeply, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with the savory broth. The slow cooker method ensures that every ingredient has time to release its natural flavors, creating a dish that feels both rustic and refined. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply a cozy night in, this stew embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup soy sauce-based marinade (soy sauce, olive oil, herbs, and spices)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste

INSTRUCTION:

  1. Prepare the beef: Begin by cutting the beef into medium-sized chunks. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Pour this mixture over the beef chunks, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavor.
  3. Layer the slow cooker: Place diced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add marinated beef chunks on top, followed by carrots and potatoes.
  4. Add liquid and seasoning: Pour beef broth over the mixture. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and bay leaf. Adjust salt to taste.
  5. Cook slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 7–8 hours, or high heat for 4–5 hours. The beef should become tender, and the vegetables should soften while absorbing the savory broth.
  6. Optional thickening: If a thicker stew is desired, mix flour with a small amount of water to form a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  7. Final touch: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

SERVINGS:

This recipe yields 6 servings, making it ideal for family meals or storing leftovers for the week.

NOTE:

This slow cooker beef stew is versatile and forgiving. The long cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully, and the dish can be customized with seasonal vegetables or additional herbs. For a lighter version, reduce the soy sauce and replace part of the broth with water. For a richer taste, add mushrooms or a splash of red wine during cooking.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Once the ingredients are layered and the slow cooker is set, the dish requires minimal attention, freeing you to focus on other tasks while the stew develops its depth of flavor. The aroma that fills the kitchen during cooking is part of the experience, signaling the comfort of a meal that has been nurtured slowly and thoughtfully.

Serving suggestions include pairing the stew with crusty bread, rice, or even buttered noodles. Each option complements the hearty broth and tender beef, making the meal complete and satisfying. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen.

This recipe embodies the essence of slow cooking: patience rewarded with richness, simplicity transformed into comfort, and everyday ingredients elevated into something memorable. It is not just a dish but a reminder of the joy found in meals that bring people together, nourish the body, and warm the spirit.

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