Beef stew in a Crock Pot slow cooker

Beef Stew in a Crock Pot Slow Cooker

When it comes to comforting dishes, nothing compares to a slowly cooked beef stew that blends flavors and textures into a meal that delights all the senses. This slow cooker beef stew recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for a family meal or a night with friends. Using a slow cooker, you'll achieve tender and juicy meat, and the flavors will intensify during cooking. Let's see how we can transform simple ingredients into something truly special!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours (High)
Total: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 650 g beef (choose a fattier cut for a juicier result)
- 1 broccoli (approximately 300 g)
- 15 mushrooms (preferably button mushrooms)
- 200 ml water
- 60 ml soy sauce (for an intense umami flavor)
- 60 ml Worcestershire sauce (adds a complex note)
- 50 g brown sugar (for sweetness and caramelization)
- 1 teaspoon salt (helps to enhance flavors)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for a rich taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, crushed (for a hint of spice)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch plus 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons oil (to sauté the ingredients)

Preparation:

1. Marinade preparation: In a large bowl, combine water, salt, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous marinade. This will add a special flavor to the beef.

2. Cutting the meat: Slice the beef into thin strips, then cut into pieces about 2 cm. This size will allow the meat to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors from the marinade.

3. Marinating the meat: Add the meat pieces to the bowl with the marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce. Let the meat marinate for 15-30 minutes to intensify the flavors.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Clean the mushrooms and cut them in half. Wash the broccoli and break it into florets. These vegetables will add not only flavor but also color and texture to the stew.

5. Heating the slow cooker: Place 2 tablespoons of oil in the 4.5-liter slow cooker pot. The oil will help sauté the vegetables and prevent them from sticking.

6. Assembling the stew: Add the broccoli florets and mushrooms to the slow cooker, then layer the meat with its marinade on top. Do not mix the ingredients to allow the flavors to develop separately during cooking.

7. Slow cooking: Cover the slow cooker and set it to 'High' for 4 hours. If you have time, you can opt for the 'Low' setting, cooking for 8 hours, which will yield even more tender meat.

8. Thickening the sauce: After 4 hours, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until you get a smooth paste. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and let it simmer for another 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

9. Serving: The stew is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it plain or alongside creamy mashed potatoes that will absorb all the delicious flavors.

Personal suggestion: Add a few sprigs of freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Nutritional benefits:
This stew is rich in protein due to the beef, while broccoli and mushrooms provide an important supply of vitamins and fiber. By using low-sodium and low-sugar sauces, you can control your salt and calorie intake. A serving of stew contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the chosen side dish.

Vegetarian option: If you want to create a vegetarian version, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh, and the sauces can be kept to maintain the intense flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can use pork or chicken, but the cooking time will vary.
- How can I store the stew? You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- What side dishes pair well with this stew? Besides mashed potatoes, you can try rice or pasta, which pair perfectly with the rich sauce of the stew.

The slow cooker beef stew recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to enjoy a warm meal without too much effort. With few ingredients and a longer cooking time, you'll achieve a savory dish that will impress everyone. Savor every bite and enjoy the moments spent around the table!