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Why You'll Love This batch cooker friendly slow cooker beef and vegetable stew
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of prep time and some patience while it cooks.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and add your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices to make the recipe your own.
- Batch Cooker Friendly: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking, as it makes a large quantity of stew that can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- Slow Cooker Perfection: The slow cooker is the perfect vessel for this recipe, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender and fall-apart-easy.
- Nourishing and Delicious: This stew is packed with nutritious ingredients, including lean beef, a variety of vegetables, and aromatic spices, making it a guilt-free and satisfying meal option.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prep, as it can be cooked in large batches and portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This slow-cooked stew is the epitome of comfort food, with its rich, savory flavors and hearty, satisfying texture.
- Impress Your Guests: Whether you're hosting a dinner party or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and tender texture.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are the beef, vegetables, and broth. The beef provides the rich, meaty flavor that's the backbone of the stew, while the vegetables add natural sweetness, texture, and nutrients. The broth, whether homemade or store-bought, is what brings everything together, adding moisture and depth to the dish. When selecting the beef, opt for a cut that's suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket. For the vegetables, choose a variety of colors and textures to add visual interest and depth to the stew. As for the broth, you can use a low-sodium store-bought option or make your own using beef bones, vegetables, and aromatics.
How to Make batch cooker friendly slow cooker beef and vegetable stew
Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and green beans to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the browned beef, beef broth, and red wine to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Transfer the mixture to a large slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and crusty bread on the side.
Let the stew cool completely, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Reheat the stew over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Finally, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor! This stew is perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or a quick and easy meal prep solution.
Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to the recipe. Try different spices, herbs, or vegetables to make the stew your own.
Tips for Perfect Results
Take the time to brown the beef properly, as this step is crucial for developing the rich, depthful flavor of the stew.
Choose the best ingredients you can find, including fresh vegetables, lean beef, and a rich, flavorful broth.
Add the vegetables towards the end of the cooking time, so they retain their texture and flavor.
Let the stew rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
Don't be afraid to try new spices and herbs to add depth and complexity to the stew.
Choose a cut of beef that's suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket, for tender and flavorful results.
Add a splash of red wine to the stew for added depth and richness of flavor.
Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not Browning the Beef: Failing to brown the beef properly can result in a lackluster flavor and texture.
Fix: Take the time to brown the beef properly, using a hot skillet and cooking it until it's nicely browned on all sides.
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Overcooking the Vegetables: Overcooking the vegetables can result in a mushy, unappetizing texture.
Fix: Add the vegetables towards the end of the cooking time, so they retain their texture and flavor.
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Not Using High-Quality Ingredients: Using low-quality ingredients can result in a lackluster flavor and texture.
Fix: Choose the best ingredients you can find, including fresh vegetables, lean beef, and a rich, flavorful broth.
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Not Letting it Rest: Not letting the stew rest can result in a lack of flavor and texture.
Fix: Let the stew rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the beef with extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option.
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, such as almond flour or coconut flour, for a gluten-free option.
Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the stew for an extra kick of heat.
Add sliced mushrooms to the stew for added flavor and texture.
Add diced tomatoes to the stew for added flavor and moisture.
Replace the red wine with white wine for a lighter, more delicate flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and serve.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The best type of beef for this recipe is a cut that's suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or brisket. These cuts are tender and flavorful, and will become fall-apart-easy after cooking.
Can I make this recipe in a Dutch oven?
Yes! This recipe can be made in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Simply brown the beef and cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven, then add the broth and simmer until the stew is cooked through.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients to this recipe. Some ideas include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped fresh herbs.
How do I reheat this recipe?
To reheat this recipe, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until hot and bubbly.
Can I serve this recipe with crusty bread?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for serving with crusty bread. Simply slice a baguette or other crusty bread and serve on the side for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
batch cooker friendly slow cooker beef and vegetable stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Soften the Vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Broth. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Assemble the Slow Cooker. Add the browned beef, vegetable mixture, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Cook the Stew. Cook the stew on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Step 7: Season and Serve. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Make ahead: Prepare the ingredients and assemble the slow cooker the night before. Cook the stew in the morning and serve for dinner.
- Substitution: Swap the beef stew meat for chicken or pork if desired.
- Pro tip: Brown the beef and cook the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker for added flavor.
