Slow Cooker Chunky Beef and Potato Stew: Hearty Comfort in Every Bite
Set It and Forget It!
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the inviting aroma of a slow-cooked meal, especially when it’s a hearty beef and potato stew. This slow cooker recipe transforms tough cuts of beef into tender, flavorful chunks, and combines them with hearty potatoes and a medley of vegetables for a comforting stew that warms you from the inside out. So, dust off your trusty slow cooker and let’s create a soul-warming meal that practically cooks itself!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by preparing all your ingredients – cutting the beef into chunks, peeling and dicing the potatoes, slicing the carrots, chopping the celery, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the beef chunks in the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic on top.
3. Season:
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried thyme evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Add Liquids:
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Add the bay leaves for extra flavor.
5. Mix:
- Give everything in the slow cooker a gentle stir to ensure the seasonings are distributed evenly.
6. Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
7. Add Peas (Optional):
- About 30 minutes before serving, you can add frozen peas to the stew if desired. This step is optional but adds a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve:
- Once the beef and potatoes are tender and the stew is heated through, remove the bay leaves. Ladle the chunky beef and potato stew into bowls.
9. Garnish (Optional):
- If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over each bowl for a burst of color and freshness.
10. Enjoy:
- Serve your homemade chunky beef and potato stew hot and savor the comforting flavors of this slow-cooked masterpiece.
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Chunky Beef and Potato Stew
Tips:
- For extra depth of flavor, you can sear the beef chunks in a hot skillet with a bit of oil until they’re browned before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but can enhance the taste of the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking.
Variations:
- Experiment with different vegetables to suit your taste. You can add green beans, corn, or even bell peppers for added flavor and color.
- To make this stew even heartier, you can add some cooked and crumbled bacon when serving. It adds a smoky crunch that pairs wonderfully with the stew.
Customization:
- This beef and potato stew is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Some like it spicier with a pinch of red pepper flakes, while others may prefer a milder flavor profile.
Storage:
- Leftover chunky beef and potato stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Cook’s Note:
- The beauty of a slow cooker stew is that it gets better with time. If you have leftovers, you’re in for a treat because the flavors will meld and intensify, making the stew even tastier the next day.
- Consider serving your chunky beef and potato stew with a side of crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, portion it into individual containers, and freeze for later. It reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for quick and satisfying meals.
- Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving. They infuse the stew with flavor during cooking but aren’t meant to be eaten.
- The slow cooker is your best friend when it comes to creating tender, flavorful stews like this one. It allows you to set it and forget it, coming home to a delicious, piping hot meal ready to be enjoyed.
- Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or you simply crave the comforting embrace of a hearty stew, this chunky beef and potato stew is a winner. So, fire up your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Your taste buds will thank you for the rich, savory goodness that awaits.
