Description
A hearty and flavorful beef stew made in a slow cooker, featuring a secret ingredient that elevates the taste to gourmet levels. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (the secret ingredient)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the beef with flour until coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, then remove and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Transfer the vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned beef on top.
- Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker during the last 2 hours of cooking.
- Stir in the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, you can sear the beef in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- If you don’t use wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of extra beef broth.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips or mushrooms.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg