When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty bowl of beef stew, especially when it’s made in a slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew combines tender chunks of beef, smoky sausage, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal to warm you up on a chilly day. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean beef stew meat
- 1-pound beef smoked sausage, cut into 1” slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Spray cooking oil
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup diced parsnips
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 16-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups flour
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon white pepper
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
Preparing the Meat
- Season and Coat the Meat:
- In a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, combine the flour, salt, white pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Working in batches, add the stew meat to the bag and shake until the meat is well-coated with the flour mixture.
- Remove the meat from the bag and place it on a plate.
- Brown the Meat:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the floured stew meat to the skillet and brown on all sides. Do not cook the meat all the way through; just get a nice sear.
- Once browned, place the meat on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
Preparing the Slow Cooker
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, beef broth, diced garlic, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Set the mixture aside.
- Assemble the Ingredients:
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker insert with cooking oil.
- Add the diced onions, potato chunks, and diced parsnips to the slow cooker.
- Layer the browned stew meat and sliced smoked sausage on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared liquid mixture over the meat and vegetables.
Cooking
- Cook the Stew:
- Secure the lid on the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 8-9 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
- Add the Final Touch:
- Once the stew is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the frozen mixed vegetables.
- Replace the lid and cook on low for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad on the side can add a fresh contrast to the rich, savory stew.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew
- Choosing the Meat: Use lean beef stew meat for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks.
- Browning the Meat: Don’t skip the step of browning the meat. It adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, or sweet potatoes.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. With minimal preparation and the slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have a comforting, delicious dinner ready with ease. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more tasty recipes and cooking tips!
Happy cooking!