As the days grow colder and the need for comfort food intensifies, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of thick and chunky beef stew to warm you up. This Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew is the perfect solution for those who crave a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. With tender beef chuck, robust vegetables, and a rich broth, this stew is a satisfying and wholesome dish that cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe delivers both convenience and taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, or substitute with additional beef broth)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- In a large bowl, toss the beef chuck cubes with the all-purpose flour, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
2. Brown the Beef:
- Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, add the beef cubes coated in flour and sear them until browned on all sides.
- This process enhances the beef’s flavor.
- After browning, move the beef to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Using the same skillet, cook the diced onion and minced garlic.
- Stir for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its aroma.
- Move the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
4. Add the Vegetables:
- To the slow cooker, add the sliced carrots, potatoes, and chopped celery. These vegetables will add bulk and flavor to the stew, making it hearty and satisfying.
5. Pour in the Liquids:
- Add the beef broth and, if desired, the red wine to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
6. Season and Slow Cook:
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly distributed in the liquid.
7. Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or on high heat for 4-5 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
8. Add the Peas:
- About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the frozen peas to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and allow them to heat through.
9. Finish and Serve:
- After the stew has finished cooking, take out the bay leaf.
- Sample the mixture and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables absorb all the wonderful flavors of the broth. It’s a perfect dish to prepare in advance and enjoy after a long day, as the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal. This stew is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll return to time and time again.