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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe with Root Vegetables

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A rich and hearty slow cooker beef stew with tender beef chuck and a medley of root vegetables, perfect for cozy nights and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • 3 cups beef broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot for gluten-free)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 celery stalk, sliced (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion, garlic, and root vegetables. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, about 3-4 minutes per batch, until golden crust forms. Transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  4. Transfer browned beef and sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker. Sprinkle flour over beef and stir to coat evenly.
  5. Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using). Add thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir gently and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Nestle carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and celery on top of the beef mixture. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
  9. If stew is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir in. Cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken.

Notes

Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and achieve better caramelization. Pat beef dry before browning to get a good crust. Add root vegetables on top without stirring to keep their texture. If stew is thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain temperature. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot. Seasonal vegetable swaps and flavor twists like smoked paprika or balsamic vinegar can enhance the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, root vegetables, easy beef stew, cozy dinner, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, beef chuck stew

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-stew-recipe-with-root-vegetables-easy-and-perfect/