A hearty, comforting beef stew made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, savory gravy. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Preparation and cooking time
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cooking time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
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Servings: 6
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Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Beef and vegetables
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1 kg beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into cubes
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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3 carrots, sliced
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
Broth and seasoning
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3 cups beef broth
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the beef
Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss with the flour until lightly coated.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for a few minutes on each side.
This step is optional, but it gives the stew a deeper, richer flavor.
Step 3: Add the vegetables
Place the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker. Add the beef on top.
Step 4: Prepare the broth
In a bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables. Add the bay leaf.
Step 5: Cook slowly
Cover with the lid and cook:
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LOW: 7–8 hours.
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HIGH: 4–5 hours.
The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the beef pieces.
Step 6: Thicken the gravy
If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the stew and cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes, until thickened.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips for the best beef stew
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Choose beef chuck: It becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
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Cut vegetables evenly: This helps them cook at a similar rate.
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Avoid lifting the lid: Each time you open it, heat escapes and cooking takes longer.
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Don’t add excess liquid: Slow cookers retain moisture, so the broth should not need to cover every ingredient completely.
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For extra flavor: Add mushrooms, peas, or a little rosemary.
What to serve with beef stew
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Steamed rice
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Crusty bread
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Dinner rolls
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Mashed potatoes
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Fresh green salad
How to store leftovers
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Refrigerator: Store in covered containers for 3–4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in airtight portions for 2–3 months for best quality.
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Reheating: Heat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).
The secret to delicious beef stew: Use a suitable cut of beef, brown it before slow cooking if possible, and give it enough time to become tender. The result is a rich, flavorful stew with soft vegetables and delicious gravy.
