What You Need
2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cubed
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
What To Do
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them on all sides until they are browned. This step helps to lock in the flavors and juices. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced carrots. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrots start to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
Deglaze the skillet with the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
Transfer the onion, carrot, and wine mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the cubed potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Mix everything together to distribute the flavors.
Pour in the beef broth until the ingredients are mostly covered. You can adjust the amount of broth based on how thick you want the stew to be.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
About 30 minutes before serving, check the seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. You can also add a bit more thyme and rosemary if you prefer a stronger herb flavor.
Once the beef is fork-tender and the stew has thickened, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the rich and flavorful slow-cooked beef stew into bowls and enjoy!
Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Note: Feel free to customize this slow-cooked beef stew by adding other vegetables like peas, green beans, or celery. You can also serve it over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.