Introduction:

This is my newest obsession, slow-cooked cubed beef stew. After a long, exhausting day it is wonderful to indulge in a blend of succulent beef with colorful vegetables. All of the ingredients can be thrown together and cooked in a slow cooker. For those who are short on time yet still require warmth, this dish is a go to. All you need to do is turn the slow cooker on and let it do its work. 

 

 

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef (chuck or stew meat)
• 4 medium peeled cubed potatoes
• 3 peeled carrots sliced
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 minced cloves of garlic
• Beef broth
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Olive oil ( two tablespoons optional for browning beef)

 

 

Instructions:

If you are looking for added flavor, then you can try browning the beef. To do this, heat a pan on medium and cook the cubed beef with olive oil for 5 minutes. However, if you do not want that, simply follow the next steps.

Slice onion, peel potatoes, and wash carrots. Put all three ingredients with garlic into a slow cooker along with beef. Grab a sprinkle of salt pepper, thyme, and rosemary and pour it in gingerly with Worcestershire sauce. Finally, pour the beef broth into the slow cooker letting it mix with everything together seamlessly.

Cook: For 7-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat, the slow cooker should have a lid placed on top so that the meat and the veggies are finished cooking for good.

Finishing Touches: Prior to serving, taste the stew and rectify any seasoning issues.

Tips for getting the most out of this recipe:

While this process is not compulsory, always sear the beef prior to placing it in the crockpot to increase the flavor profile.

For variation, additional vegetables can be added as well such as Carrots, Celery, Parsnips, or Peas.

For a more dense stew, add a cornstarch slurry constituting one tablespoon of cornstarch with two table spoons of water in the last thirty minutes of cooking.

 

 

Health Benefits:

Protein-Rich: Filled with protein, Beef plays a fundamental role in rebuilding and constructing muscles.

Iron: Beef contains a constant supply of heme iron which the body absorbs without hassle compared to non-heme iron found in plants.

Vitamins and Minerals: This stew contains copious amounts of vitamin B, specifically B12 and vital minerals such as zinc and selenium that help with immune health.

 

 

Nutritional Information (Serving):

Calories: 350

Protein: 25 grams

Fat: 14 grams

Carbs: 30 grams

Fiber: 5 grams

Sodium: 800 mg

Note: The specific ingredients or portion sizes may influence the nutritional values.

 

 

Variations and Substitutions:

Vegetarian Option: Use cubes of mushrooms, tempeh or tofu to replace beef cubes in this stew for a meat free variation.

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for a spiciness.You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili for an extra spicy flavor. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is it possible to make this with a slow cooker on high heat? So yes, you can set it on high for 4-5 hours, but if you have the time, setting it on low for about 7-8 hours will yield you with meat that’s much softer and more tender.

Is it possible to freeze stew? This can be done; stew can be frozen in a container for three months, but make sure to reheat it afterward.

Is it possible to use some other kinds of meat? Usingsome other kinds of meat is possible, such as turkey, lamb, or pork, but remember to modify the cooking times based on the type of meat being considered.

Is it possible to add some other vegetables? Yes, it is Eggplants, okra, parsnips, peas, green beans, and even corn can be added.

 

 

Conclusion:

This cubed beef stew made in a slow cooker is perfect for when you’re pressed for time as it is both simple to prepare and full of flavor. And because we’re slow cooking the beef, the meat will become juicy and also flavor the vegetables. You can make it for dinner with hardly any preparation and it’ll be tastefully filling. Make it with your family and don’t hesitate to replace the ingredients if you want!