Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) stewing beef, cubed
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Toss the beef cubes in flour for a thicker stew (optional).
- Brown the Beef (Optional):
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and sear the beef until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped.
- Layer the Slow Cooker:
- Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the beef on top of the vegetables.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional):
- If the stew is too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water, then stir it into the stew 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve:
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
