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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe Easy Homemade Root Vegetable Dinner

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A hearty and comforting slow cooker beef stew with tender beef and earthy root vegetables, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional; use cornstarch for gluten-free option)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: chop carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and onion into uniform pieces; mince garlic; cut beef into 1-inch cubes, trimming excess fat. (About 15 minutes)
  2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to slow cooker.
  3. Deglaze the pan: Pour 1/2 cup beef broth into skillet, scrape browned bits, and pour mixture into slow cooker.
  4. Add vegetables: Layer carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and onions over beef in slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic on top.
  5. Mix liquids and seasoning: Whisk remaining beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over beef and vegetables. Add bay leaves.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy. Stir halfway through if possible.
  7. Thicken stew (optional): About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour with cold water to make slurry. Stir into stew and replace lid to thicken. Use cornstarch for gluten-free option.
  8. Final taste test: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and stir gently before serving.

Notes

Brown the beef well for deeper flavor. Add potatoes halfway through cooking if they cook faster than other vegetables. Use cornstarch instead of flour for gluten-free. Fresh herbs can be added near the end for brightness. Avoid lifting the lid often to maintain cooking temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, beef stew recipe, root vegetable stew, easy beef stew, comfort food, crockpot stew, hearty dinner

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