Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: In a large bowl, toss your beef cubes with the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until they're evenly coated. This step is crucial for building a beautiful crust and adding flavor.
- Step 2: Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add your seasoned beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat on all sides until it's got a lovely golden-brown crust. This browning, or "fond" as chefs call it, is where so much flavor comes from! Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- Step 3: Using the same skillet (don't clean it yet – those bits are flavor gold!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté your chopped yellow onion for about 5 minutes, or until it's softened and fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as you go. Add the sautéed onion to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Step 4: Pour 500 ml (about 2 cups) of beef broth into the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Add your diced potatoes, carrots, celery, vegetable juice, Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, and dried thyme to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Step 6: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 7-8 hours, or if you're in a bit more of a rush, cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Let your slow cooker work its magic!
- Step 7: Once the cooking time is nearly up and the beef is fork-tender, it's time to thicken our glorious stew. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until you have a smooth slurry. No lumps allowed!
- Step 8: Carefully add the remaining 500 ml (about 2 cups) of beef broth and your cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker. Stir it all in really well.
- Step 9: Finally, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll cook quickly and retain their vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture.
- Step 10: Switch your slow cooker to high and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes. You'll notice the stew starting to thicken beautifully into that rich, luscious gravy we're aiming for.
- Step 11: Before serving, always give it a taste! Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. And if you want to soak up every last drop of that amazing gravy, don't forget to serve it with something delightful like some crusty bread or even these easy homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks. Enjoy!
Notes
Substitutions & Additions: This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Feel free to toss in other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips, or even some sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking. Green beans or corn could also be added with the peas for extra color and nutrition. If you love bay leaves, add one or two along with the rosemary and thyme (remember to remove them before serving!). A pinch of smoked paprika could also add a wonderful smoky depth. For an even richer, deeper flavor, you could substitute 1 cup of the beef broth with a good quality dry red wine or a dark beer. A tablespoon or two of tomato paste browned with the onions can add a lovely layer of umami and color. Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
Tips for Success: Don't Skip the Browning: I know it's an extra step, but browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor. It creates those caramelized bits that truly make the stew. Cut Veggies Evenly: To ensure everything cooks at the same rate and you don't end up with mushy potatoes and crunchy carrots (or vice-versa), try to cut your vegetables into roughly similar-sized pieces. Slurry for Smooth Thickening: Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, glossy gravy. Taste and Adjust: After cooking for so long, flavors can concentrate. Always give your stew a taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Prep Ahead: To make your morning even easier, you can chop all your vegetables and cut the beef the night before. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Stew: This stew is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for days! Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer any leftover stew to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezing: Beef stew freezes wonderfully! Portion cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.