Welcome back to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for a delicious and hearty beef stew made in a slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for those days when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds of beef , trimmed and cut into chunks
- 5 russet potatoes, with skins on, cut into chunks
- 5 whole carrots, cut into pieces
- 4 stalks of celery, sliced
- 2 packets of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 1 tablespoon of Johnny’s Seasoned Pepper (or regular pepper)
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups of water
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients. Instead of using stew meat, I prefer to use beef Montgomery Beef because it’s more tender and moist. Here’s a quick cost breakdown for the beef I used:
Trim off any excess fat from your beef and cut it into chunks. This gives us approximately 2.5 pounds of meat, perfect for a meaty stew.
Next, prepare the vegetables:
- Cut 5 russet potatoes into chunks (leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients).
- Chop 5 whole carrots into pieces.
- Slice 4 stalks of celery.
Step 2: Seasoning
Add the chopped vegetables into your slow cooker. Season with:
- 2 packets of Lipton Onion Soup Mix for a robust flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of Johnny’s Seasoned Pepper or regular pepper.
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce for an added depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
Step 3: Adding the Beef
Season the beef chunks with kosher salt and Johnny’s Seasoned Pepper. Place the beef on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups of water. This will help create a rich broth as the stew cooks.
Step 4: Cooking
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on high. Cook until the beef is tender and the vegetables are done, which takes about 5.5 hours.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once cooked, check the tenderness of the meat and vegetables. If everything is to your liking, turn off the slow cooker. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and seasoned pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serving
Serve the stew hot. The beef should be tender enough to break apart with a fork, and the vegetables perfectly cooked but not mushy. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This beef stew is one of the best I’ve made in a slow cooker. The chuck roast, whole carrots, and onion soup mix all contribute to a flavorful and hearty dish. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out for you!
I’ll list all the ingredients and a link to my Amazon store in the description below. Thanks for cooking with me, and see you next time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Baby Carrots Instead of Whole Carrots?
Yes, you can. However, I find that whole carrots have a sweeter taste and add more flavor to the stew compared to baby carrots.
How Can I Adjust the Consistency of the Stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can reduce the amount of water added initially or let the stew cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. For a thinner consistency, you can add more water or broth towards the end of the cooking time.
What can i serve with beef stew?
Starches:
- Mashed Potatoes - Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
- Crusty Bread - A fresh loaf of bread or rolls can be great for dipping.
- Rice - White or brown rice works well to soak up the stew's juices.
- Egg Noodles - A bed of egg noodles adds a different texture.
Vegetables:
- Roasted Vegetables - Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Green Beans - Steamed or sautéed with a bit of garlic.
- Salad - A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add freshness.
Drinks:
- Red Wine - A glass of red wine can complement the rich flavors of beef stew.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this beef stew as much as I do. Happy cooking!