# Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This comforting slow cooker beef stew is filled with succulent beef, robust root vegetables, and a hearty, flavorful broth. No need for browning, just set it and allow the slow cooker to handle everything.
## Flavor Profile
This beef stew boasts a deep brown gravy and is full of vegetables, offering a homestyle taste with little effort.
## Cooking Technique
Though browning the beef is not essential, it can enhance the flavor. If you decide to sear the beef, do it in batches to prevent crowding the pan.
## Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to include additional root vegetables for a heartier meal. If you want to prepare it on the stove, follow a classic beef stew recipe.
## Serving Suggestions
For something different, omit the potatoes in the stew and serve it on top of creamy mashed potatoes.
## Ingredients Tips
– **Beef**: Cubed chuck roast is perfect for its marbling and tenderness. Stewing beef, generally trimmed from various cuts, also works well.
– **Vegetables**: Onions, carrots, and celery provide excellent flavor. Cut them into 1-inch pieces to keep their texture intact during cooking.
– **Potatoes**: Potatoes assist in thickening the broth and make the stew hearty. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold retain their shape better than russets.
– **Broth**: A rich beef broth is crucial. For added complexity, replace a cup of broth with a dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
– **Vegetable Juice**: Vegetable juice boosts flavor without overshadowing the broth. Reduced-sodium versions or Bloody Mary mix can be used as substitutes.
## How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
1. **Prepare the Beef**: Season and optionally brown the beef in a skillet. Transfer it to the slow cooker.
2. **Cook the Onions**: Sauté onions in the same skillet until soft, then add them to the slow cooker.
3. **Deglaze**: Pour broth or wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned pieces. Pour this into the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (excluding peas).
4. **Cook**: Set the slow cooker to high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-9 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
5. **Thicken**: Mix in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew, then add peas and heat through.
### Tips for Success
– Instead of cornstarch, you can thicken the stew using potato flakes.
– If you’re pressed for time, add a bag of frozen vegetable medley in the last hour of cooking.
– To avoid vegetables breaking down, refrain from excessive stirring during cooking.
## Storing Leftovers
Leftover stew can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding any extra vegetables you have available.
## Conclusion
This slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for cold days. With its deep flavors and tender ingredients, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Relish the warmth and contentment of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort!