Mom’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew

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Mom’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for chilly days. You’ll love how easy it is to make this classic dish in your crockpot. This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and cooks for 7-8 hours on low, resulting in tender beef and veggies in a rich, savory broth.

The stew is packed with chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and peas. It’s seasoned with garlic, onion, thyme, and a splash of red wine for depth. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. You can set it up in the morning and come home to a delicious, comforting dinner.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mom’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 pounds beef chuck, trimmed and cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (or more broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 6 minced garlic cloves
• 1 large yellow onion, chunked
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup frozen peas

You can easily find these items at your local grocery store. Make sure to choose good quality beef for the best results. The mix of veggies and spices will give your stew a rich, comforting flavor.

Instructions

Here’s how to make this tasty beef stew:

1. 
   

   Brown the beef in a skillet with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook in batches for about 5 minutes each. Add the browned beef to your slow cooker.

   
   
2. 
   

   Pour in broth, wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix with the beef.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add garlic, onions, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

   
   
4. 
   

   Take out 1 cup of broth from the slow cooker. Mix it with flour in a bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker and stir.

   
   
5. 
   

   Add frozen peas. Cook uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes.

   
   

Your stew is now ready to serve! The meat will be tender and the flavors rich after slow cooking. Enjoy this warm, hearty meal with your family.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this beef stew recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Meat: Try using lamb or venison instead of beef for a different flavor.
• Vegetables: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add celery, parsnips, or mushrooms.
• Wine: Replace red wine with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

For a thicker stew, add more flour or use cornstarch. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add extra broth.

Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.

To add more flavor, try these variations:

• Toss in some fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaves
• Add a can of diced tomatoes
• Stir in some Dijon mustard for a tangy kick

You can also adjust the cooking time. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, depending on your schedule.

Remember, slow cookers vary, so check the meat’s tenderness and adjust cooking time as needed.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Here are some handy tips to make your beef stew even better:

• Brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds extra flavor.

• Cut veggies into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

• Don’t lift the lid while cooking. This lets heat escape and slows down the cooking.

You can store leftover stew in the fridge for 3-4 days. Put it in an airtight container once it’s cooled down.

To freeze the stew:

1. Let it cool completely
2. Put it in freezer-safe containers
3. Freeze for up to 3 months

When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Try these tricks to change up the flavor:

• Add a bay leaf for extra depth
• Toss in some fresh herbs at the end
• Serve it over rice or noodles for a twist

With these tips, you’ll be a beef stew pro in no time!