Slow Cooker Classic Beef and Vegetable Stew

Introduction

Slow Cooker Classic Beef and Vegetable Stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty,
and packed with deep, slow-simmered flavors. Tender chunks of beef, wholesome vegetables,
and a savory broth come together effortlessly in the slow cooker, making this dish perfect
for busy weekdays, cozy evenings, or family gatherings. It’s a timeless recipe that warms
you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet
   and brown the beef on all sides (optional but recommended).
2. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, celery,
   and peas.
3. Pour in the beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary,
   and bay leaves.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours,
   until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
5. If a thicker stew is desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture during the last 30 minutes
   of cooking.
6. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Description

This classic beef and vegetable stew is thick, savory, and deeply satisfying. The beef
becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables absorb the rich, seasoned broth.
Every spoonful delivers comforting flavors and hearty textures, making it a complete and
nourishing meal.

Tips

• Use beef chuck for the best texture—it becomes tender during slow cooking.
• Browning the beef adds extra depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
• Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Add peas near the end if you prefer them bright and firm.
• Serve with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Correction (Common Mistakes & Fixes)

• Stew too thin: Add a cornstarch slurry and cook slightly longer.
• Beef is tough: It needs more time—slow cooking tenderizes the meat.
• Bland flavor: Adjust salt gradually and don’t skip herbs or Worcestershire sauce.
• Vegetables too soft: Add delicate vegetables later in the cooking process.

Enjoy

Enjoy this Slow Cooker Classic Beef and Vegetable Stew as a comforting dinner on chilly
nights or as a make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day. Simple, nourishing,
and timeless—this stew is sure to become a family favorite.