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A bowl of rich and flavorful beef stew with tender chunks of meat and vegetables.

Beef Stew Magic

This cozy and forgiving beef stew is rich in flavor, incredibly tender, and perfect for chilly days.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Preparation
  • 2 to 2.5 pounds chuck roast Cut into 1.5 inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons flour For light coating on beef before browning
  • Salt to taste For seasoning beef
  • Pepper to taste For seasoning beef
Stew Ingredients
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth Low sodium if possible
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon of rosemary)
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut thick
  • 3 to 4 potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional) Add at the end
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar (optional) Add at the end to brighten flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Toss with flour for a light coating.
  2. Brown the beef in batches in a hot pot with a little oil.
  3. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion until softened, then add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 30 seconds.
Cooking
  1. Add the browned beef, onion and garlic mixture, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
  3. In the last 10 minutes, add peas if desired, and adjust salt and pepper. Finish with a splash of vinegar.
  4. For a thicker stew, mash a few potato chunks against the side of the slow cooker or mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.

Notes

Let the stew rest for 15 minutes after cooking for better flavor. Pair with crusty bread or buttered noodles.