Mom’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Did you know that slow cooking can lead to meals that are not only tastier but also healthier? If you’ve ever wondered why your mom’s slow cooker beef stew is a family favorite, the answer lies in the magic of low and slow cooking. This method enhances the meat’s tenderness and allows flavors to meld, creating a delicious impact on your taste buds. In this post, I’ll guide you through the steps to whip up your mom’s slow cooker beef stew, featuring perfectly tender meat and a medley of hearty vegetables.

Ingredients List

To bring this delicious dish to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 lbs beef chuck roast: Ideal for slow cooking; it breaks down beautifully.
4 medium carrots, sliced: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
3 medium potatoes, diced: Provides heartiness and texture.
1 large onion, chopped: A foundational flavor element.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory profile of the stew.
4 cups beef broth: Opt for low-sodium for a healthier option.
2 tbsp tomato paste: For a rich, slightly tangy layer of flavor.
1 tsp dried thyme: This herb adds a warm, earthy note.
1 tsp dried rosemary: A hint of pine aroma is unforgettable.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out flavors.
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and color before serving.

Substitutions:

Swap chuck roast for brisket or round steak for different flavor profiles.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter stew.
For a vegetarian version, replace beef with mushrooms or tofu and adjust broth accordingly.

Timing

Preparing mom’s slow cooker beef stew is simple! Here’s how it breaks down:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 20 minutes (using low), which is about 20% less time than the average slow cooker stew recipe, allowing you more time to relax!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by slicing your vegetables and dicing the beef into 1-2 inch cubes. The uniform size will ensure even cooking. Before you start, wash your hands and keep your workspace clean!

Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional)

On the stovetop, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. This step, while optional, adds an extra depth of flavor to your stew.

Step 3: Load the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, combine all the ingredients—beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate everything.

Step 4: Set It and Forget It

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer, slower cooking process allows flavors to deepen beautifully.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Once completed, taste the stew for seasoning. Feel free to adjust salt and pepper according to your palate, or add a splash of vinegar for tanginess!

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

For a serving size of about 1 cup, you can expect:

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 5g

This comforting meal not only fills you up but also provides essential nutrients.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make your mom’s slow cooker beef stew lighter and more health-conscious, consider these swaps:

Replace beef chuck with leaner cuts like sirloin or eye of round.
Reduce potatoes and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Swap out part of the broth with water or vegetable broth to lower sodium content.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your mom’s slow cooker beef stew in generous bowls, accompanied by:

Fresh, crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
A simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette for added freshness.
Rice or quinoa to enhance the hearty nature of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Sear: Not browning the meat can lead to a less complex flavor.
Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Too many ingredients can alter cooking time and consistency.
Not Tasting: Always taste before serving; flavors may need a little boost.
Using Low-Quality Broth: Invest in good broth for the best results; it’s the base of your stew.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigerate Leftovers: Allow the stew to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze stew for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Prepping Ingredients: Chop vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy assembly.

Conclusion

Mom’s slow cooker beef stew is a heartwarming dish that brings a sense of comfort to any table. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is bound to win hearts across generations. I encourage you to try this stew and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experiences or explore similar recipes on our blog.

FAQs

Q: Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies such as green beans or peas.

Q: What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
A: You can adapt this recipe for your stovetop. Simply simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Yes! Ensure that your broth is gluten-free and avoid any thickeners that may contain gluten.

Feel free to dive into making this recipe, and explore all the ways you can vary it to suit your tastes! Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A heartwarming dish featuring tender beef and a medley of hearty vegetables, perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast Ideal for slow cooking; it breaks down beautifully.
4 medium carrots, sliced Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
3 medium potatoes, diced Provides heartiness and texture.
1 large onion, chopped A foundational flavor element.
2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the savory profile of the stew.
4 cups beef broth Opt for low-sodium for a healthier option.
2 tbsp tomato paste For a rich, slightly tangy layer of flavor.
1 tsp dried thyme This herb adds a warm, earthy note.
1 tsp dried rosemary A hint of pine aroma is unforgettable.
Salt and pepper to taste Essential for rounding out flavors.
Fresh parsley for garnish Adds freshness and color before serving.

Instructions

Preparation

Begin by slicing your vegetables and dicing the beef into 1-2 inch cubes for even cooking.
On the stovetop, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides (optional).
In your slow cooker, combine all the ingredients: beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to incorporate.
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Once completed, taste the stew for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and pair with crusty bread or rice.

Notes

To make this dish lighter, consider using leaner cuts of beef, adding more vegetables, or swapping some broth for water or vegetable broth. Ensure to taste before serving for the best flavor.

Keyword Beef Stew, Comfort Food, Family Recipe, Healthy Cooking, Slow Cooker

Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 contact@dailypan.com • Pinterest