Beef Stew
Total Time
1 hour 15 mins
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hour
Rating
4.8 out of 5 stars
(20)
Ingredients
6-8 servings
- 1 1/2 pounds chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups beef stock
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, halved or quartered
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 2–3 tablespoons cornstarch (plus 2–3 tablespoons cold water)
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Preparation
Step 1
Sear the steak (optional): Season the steak evenly with salt and pepper. Heat the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single even layer — working in batches if needed — and cook the steak briefly on all sides until seared. (Optional to save time.)
Step 2
Stir together ingredients: Add the steak, beef stock, potatoes, mushrooms, onion, celery, carrots, tomato paste, Worcestershire and bay leaves to the bowl of a large slow cooker. Toss briefly to combine.
Step 3
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, until the steak and veggies are tender. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
Step 4
Add thickener (optional): In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until combined. Add the mixture to the still-simmering gravy a few tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired level of thickness.
Step 5
Taste, season and serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Step 6
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Chef's notes
Feel free to skip searing the steak if you would like to save time.
Add wine:
Substitute 1 cup of the beef stock with 1 cup of wine for extra depth of flavor.
Add extra herbs:
Fresh thyme or dried thyme can be added for extra flavor.
Add tomatoes:
You can add a 15-ounce can of diced or crushed tomatoes.
Add a kick:
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or chopped pepperoncini peppers can be added for some heat.
Use sweet potatoes:
You can use sweet potatoes or a combination of sweet and Yukon gold potatoes.
