Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Season the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides. This step is optional but adds a deeper flavor to the stew.
- Dust with Flour: Once browned, sprinkle the beef with flour and stir to coat. Cook for another minute, then transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
- Layer the Vegetables: Add the carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and celery to the slow cooker over the beef.
Step 3: Prepare the Liquid
- Mix the Broth: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
- Pour over the Ingredients: Pour the broth mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring everything is covered. Add the bay leaf on top.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Taste and Adjust: About 30 minutes before the stew is done, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
- Make a Slurry: If you’d like the stew to be thicker, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- Searing the Beef: While you can skip browning the beef, this step helps to lock in the juices and adds more depth to the stew.
- Wine Substitute: If you don’t want to use wine, simply replace it with more beef broth or even water.
- Veggie Options: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or parsnips in the last hour of cooking.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and tender dish that’s perfect for a cold day. Pair it with warm bread or serve over rice for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love!