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Delicious bowl of hearty slow cooker beef stew with vegetables

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A comforting and filling beef stew with tender meat and hearty vegetables, perfect for cozy dinners and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces Use low-fat beef chuck for a healthier option.
Veggies
  • 4 carrots, sliced Adjust the size depending on preference.
  • 4 potatoes, diced Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for best results.
  • 1 onion, chopped Yellow onions work well for this stew.
Broth & Sauce
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth Use homemade or store-bought broth.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds depth of flavor.
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Can substitute with fresh garlic if desired.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet.
  2. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and brown the meat on all sides.
  3. Add the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  4. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and garlic powder to the slow cooker.
  5. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
Serving
  1. Serve warm with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

For optimal flavor, let the stew cook on low heat. Use fresh vegetables for better texture and taste. Let leftovers cool before refrigerating for best results. For thickening, mash some potatoes directly in the stew. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.