Description
A magical, hearty stew slow-cooked to perfection, filled with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and warming herbs. Perfect for Halloween or any chilly evening.
Ingredients
- Beef Stew Meat: 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Carrots: 3 medium, sliced
- Celery Stalks: 3 ribs, chopped
- Potatoes: 4 medium, diced
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Garlic Cloves: 4, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Beef Broth: 4 cups
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup
- Cornstarch + Water (optional): 2 tablespoons each, mixed
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: If browning the meat, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In your skillet, brown the stew meat on all sides (optional). Transfer to the slow cooker with chopped carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Dish: Mix well so all flavors distribute evenly. Set your slow cooker to low.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until meat is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Finishing Touches: Add peas 30 minutes before serving. Thicken with cornstarch slurry if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove bay leaves, rest for 10 minutes, and serve hot.
Notes
- Browning the beef adds deep flavor but is optional.
- Don’t lift the slow cooker lid often—it disrupts the cooking time.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for best texture.
- Garnish with parsley or thyme for a fresh touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker, witches brew, stew, halloween dinner, beef stew, comfort food, crockpot