Slow Cooker Steak Stew Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Dish

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty stew.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Slow Cooker Steak Stew

This Slow Cooker Steak Stew is the perfect blend of tender beef, rich vegetables, and flavorful broth. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with just a slow cooker, making it an ideal dish for busy days. You can set it in the morning, and come home to a delicious, filling meal that the whole family will love.

Slow Cooker Steak StewPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, Flavorful Beef: Using steak instead of stew meat gives the dish a richer, more savory flavor.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Nutritious and Filling: Loaded with vegetables and protein, this stew is a complete meal in itself.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs steak (sirloin, chuck, or any tender cut), cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 3 large potatoes, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

Step 1: Sear the Steak

Before adding the steak to the slow cooker, sear it for extra flavor. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped if you're in a hurry.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared steak to the slow cooker. Add in the chopped carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic. Pour the beef broth over the top, ensuring that the vegetables and meat are submerged.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the steak is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but slow cooking on low provides the best texture and flavor.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir this slurry into the stew, then let it cook for the remaining time.

Step 6: Add Frozen Peas (Optional)

For added color and texture, stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy it with crusty bread or over-mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent meal.

Tips for Success:

• Choose the Right Steak: Sirloin or chuck steak works best for slow cooking. These cuts break down well during the long cooking process and become incredibly tender.
• Searing Adds Flavor: While not strictly necessary, searing the steak cubes adds a depth of flavor to the stew that makes a noticeable difference.
• Vegetable Swaps: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping out the vegetables. Try adding mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans for extra variety.
• Make Ahead: This stew tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Steak Stew is a go-to recipe for anyone craving a hearty, no-fuss meal that still feels like a special treat. The combination of tender steak and savory vegetables in a rich broth is sure to make it a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a weekend meal prep, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and let the slow cooker do the magic!