Description
A hearty and comforting slow-cooked beef stew packed with tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, smoky broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this easy crock pot recipe lets the flavors develop beautifully over time with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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2 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons smoked paprika
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2 medium yellow onions, diced
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1 fennel bulb, diced
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4 carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch cubes
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1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
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4–6 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups beef broth
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 bay leaves
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1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
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Brown the beef:
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Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season beef cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Brown the beef in batches until all sides are nicely seared, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté vegetables:
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In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
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Add diced onions, fennel, and carrots; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
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Assemble in crock pot:
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Transfer sautéed vegetables and browned beef to the crock pot.
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Add potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
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Cook:
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Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
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Thicken stew:
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About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry.
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Stir slurry into stew, cover, and cook until stew thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
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Serve:
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Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Notes
Fennel adds a subtle sweet and aromatic flavor; can substitute with more onion if preferred.
For a thicker stew, add more cornstarch slurry gradually.
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (slow cooker low)
- Category: Main Course / Stew
- Method: Slow cooking / Browning
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beef Stew, Slow Cooker Stew, Comfort Food, Hearty Dinner, Crock Pot Recipe