About the Recipe
Picture this: a cozy, candlelit tavern tucked away in a mystical forest, where whispers of ancient herbs, the rich aroma of wines and magical brews, and hearty laughter fill the air. Be prepared to enchant your kitchen with this imagery, where you’re about to conjure a magical, slow-cooked masterpiece - a Beef Stew that's so wholesome, it could warm the heart of even the most mysterious forest creature.
This isn't just any beef stew; it's a recipe woven with harvest love and a dash of tasty enchantment. The secret ingredients? Tender chunks of beef, an orchestra of herbs that dance in harmony, a generous pour of wine to celebrate life's simple pleasures, and a touch of the coming winter's embrace.
Get ready to be spellbound by the aroma that will permeate your home as this stew simmers to perfection, filling every nook and cranny with warmth and comfort. Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of this stew? Pull out those magical electric cauldrons of flavors and create a Beef Stew that even the most discerning of mythical creatures would adore.
Ingredients
1-2 pounds stewing beef (such as chuck), cut into bite-sized pieces
3-4 strips of uncured pork belly or bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons avocado/olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6-8 cups bone/beef broth (low sodium)
1 cup red wine (dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
4 large yellow potatoes, cubed 1 inch
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup quartered mushrooms
2 celery stalks washed and chopped
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (GF works)
(for thickening, optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Add the stewing beef and brown it on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set it aside in the crock pot.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Add Broth, Wine, and Spices
Pour in the broth, red wine, tomato paste, & balsamic vinegar into the slow cooker.
Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cook in the Slow Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Add Potatoes, Celery, and Carrots:
About 2 hours before the end of the cooking time, add the cubed potatoes, celery, and sliced carrots to the slow cooker. Continue cooking until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
6.Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to create a paste. Stir this paste into the stew and continue cooking for an additional 15-30 minutes until it thickens.
7. Add Peas:
Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 5-10 minutes until they are heated through.
8. Remove Bay Leaves and Serve:
Discard the bay leaves.
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve:
Ladle the delicious slow cooker beef stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your homemade slow cooker beef stew.
Notes: Serve with whole grain bread bowls or rolls for a delightful experience. Or simply enjoy as is!