Ultimate Comfort: Savory Slow Cooker Beef Stew for Cozy Nights

Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this Savory Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. With tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, aromatic broth, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. The result? A deliciously satisfying stew that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table. Whether enjoyed alone or with loved ones, this stew is sure to warm both hearts and bellies.

Savory Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent. This step enhances the flavor of the stew. Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Combine the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the slow cooker. Toss them gently with the beef and onion mixture.
4. Mix the Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. The beef should be tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
6. Final Touches: If using, add the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They’ll add a pop of color and freshness to the stew.
7. Serve: Once done, remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your hearty meal with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.