Imagine coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a hearty stew after a long day. Our Hearty Slow Cooker Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With tender beef chuck, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth, this dish not only fills your belly but also warms your soul. Best of all, it requires just 15 minutes of prep time and then lets the slow cooker do all the work for you! Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. This step helps develop deep, rich flavor by creating a caramelized exterior on the meat.
- Transfer the browned beef cubes to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the sautéed onions to the slow cooker along with the diced potatoes and sliced carrots.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle the rosemary over the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of meat, vegetables, and broth.
Tips
- Sear the Meat: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the beef chuck before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and gives the stew a rich, caramelized taste.
- Layering Ingredients: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them properly. Place the meat at the bottom, followed by the vegetables, to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Adjusting Seasoning: After the stew is cooked, taste it! You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to elevate the flavors even further.
- Using Fresh Herbs: While dried rosemary works well, using fresh herbs can add a brighter flavor. Consider adding some fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Leftovers: This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, and it also freezes beautifully. Make a big batch and enjoy it later for a quick, satisfying meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg
