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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe with Root Vegetables

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A hearty and comforting slow cooker beef stew with root vegetables that is easy to assemble and perfect for cozy dinners. The beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables soak up savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick chunks
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and onion into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch chunks. Mince the garlic cloves and chop celery if using. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl or plate. Toss the beef cubes in the flour until lightly coated, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  5. Add the sautéed aromatics, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, browned beef, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
  8. If stew is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into stew. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken.

Notes

Browning the beef before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and improves texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing. Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor. Adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking. If stew is too thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry. Slow cooking on low yields best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, root vegetables, easy beef stew, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, gluten-free beef stew, hearty stew