Cozy, hands-off slow-cooker beef stew built around winter WA produce (carrots, celery, onion, potatoes) and your sale beef for stew. Rich broth, tender beef, and no seafood/risotto vibe.
Details
Ingredients
- Beef Choice For Stew Value Pack 1 lb $9.99 sale (was $10.99) per lb
- Simple Truth Organic® Gourmet Red Potatoes 12 oz, cut into 1-inch chunks $4.99 (24 oz)
- Organic Carrots Bunch (or Simple Truth Organic® Rainbow Baby Carrots) 2 medium carrots, sliced (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups) $2.99 (bunch) or $2.79 (12 oz)
- Sleeved Celery 2 ribs, sliced $2.49/lb
- Organic Jumbo Yellow Onions (or sweet onion) 1/2 medium, diced $2.19/lb (yellow) or $2.49/lb (sweet)
- Organic Garlic (or Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs) 2 cloves, minced $6.99/lb or $2.79 (3 ct)
- Pantry: tomato paste (optional) 1 tbsp
- Pantry: beef broth or stock 2 cups
- Pantry: Worcestershire sauce (optional) 1 tsp
- Pantry: flour (or cornstarch) 1 tbsp flour for coating OR 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry to thicken at end
- Pantry: dried thyme 3/4 tsp
- Pantry: bay leaf 1
- Pantry: salt & black pepper to taste
- Pantry: neutral oil (for browning, optional) 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Optional browning (better flavor): Season beef with salt and pepper. Toss with 1 tbsp flour. Brown in a hot skillet with 1 tbsp oil for 4–6 minutes total (just to get color).
- Load slow cooker: Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Add beef (browned or raw).
- Add liquids: Stir in broth. If using, whisk in tomato paste and Worcestershire. The ingredients should be just barely covered; add a splash more broth/water only if needed.
- Cook: LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours, until beef is very tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- Finish/thicken: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. If you want it thicker, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) and cook on HIGH 10–15 minutes with the lid on.
- Serve (2 portions): Ladle into bowls. Optional pantry toppings: chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a little Dijon stirred in for brightness.
Health notes: Hearty, high-protein meal with lots of vegetables. To lighten: trim visible fat, use low-sodium broth, and keep potato portion moderate.
Drink pairing: Wine: Washington Merlot or Syrah. Beer: brown ale or stout. Non-alcoholic: hot black tea or sparkling water with lemon.