Ingredients
Scale
- For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, substitute with additional broth if needed)
- 3 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preparing the Ingredients: Pat the beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Measure out all other ingredients.
- Browning the Beef (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches to develop a rich crust, then transfer to the slow cooker. Skipping this step is fine but may result in slightly less depth of flavor.
- Assembling the Stew: Add the beef, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, potatoes, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine without overcrowding. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure Worcestershire sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.
- Low-carb alternative: Use cauliflower or turnips instead of potatoes.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of the recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg