Everyone’s favorite comfort food, beef stew, is even better when made in a slow cooker. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat is incredibly tender and the stew is rich, chunky, and hearty. This recipe has been highly rated with 4.8 stars from 366 reviews, proving its popularity.
The recipe begins with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 pounds of stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes, seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Baby red potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery are layered in a 5-qt. slow cooker. The stew meat is then coated in flour and browned in a skillet before being placed over the vegetables. A mixture of tomatoes, broth, mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and optional browning sauce is poured over the beef.
The process of browning the meat in olive oil, as well as sautéing the onions in the same pan, adds a depth of flavor to the stew. A splash of wine can be used to deglaze the pan, incorporating all the delicious browned bits into the stew. Additional ingredients include garlic powder, butter, peas, and cornstarch, which are added towards the end of the cooking process.
This beef stew recipe is simple yet yields a dish that is rich in flavor and texture, making it the perfect meal for a cozy evening. It’s no wonder it has received such glowing reviews and high ratings across various cooking websites.
