Nothing says comfort like a bowl of rich, slow-cooked beef stew simmering all day until the meat melts in your mouth. This old-fashioned recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening — the kind Grandma used to make when everyone gathered around the table.
🥩 Ingredients
For the Stew:
• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional but adds amazing depth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
For thickening (optional):
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water
🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the beef:
Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Brown the meat:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and sear on all sides until browned — this step locks in flavor.
3. Layer the ingredients:
Add the browned beef to your slow cooker, followed by the onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
4. Mix the broth:
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
5. Slow cook it:
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
6. Thicken the stew (optional):
If you want a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch and water together, stir it into the stew, and cook for another 15–20 minutes on HIGH.
7. Serve and enjoy:
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or warm biscuits.
❤️ Nostalgic Touch
There’s something special about this stew — the way the kitchen fills with that deep, savory aroma as it cooks all day. It’s a recipe that brings back memories of cozy dinners and family laughter. A dish that reminds us to slow down, share a meal, and savor the simple things
