Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional, But Recommended)

While you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and adds depth to the stew. Here’s how to do it:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef stew meat to the pan, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. You’re not trying to cook it through, just to get a good sear.
• Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is browning, chop and prepare the vegetables:

• Onions: Chop the onion into small pieces.
• Garlic: Mince the garlic.
• Mushrooms: Slice the mushrooms into thin pieces.
• Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
• Carrots and Celery: Slice the carrots into rounds and chop the celery.

Once everything is prepared, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and potatoes directly to the slow cooker along with the browned beef.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasoning

Pour in the beef broth, followed by the red wine (if using). The wine adds a lovely richness to the stew, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can replace it with an additional cup of beef broth or water.

Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Stew

Set your slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, depending on your time frame. The stew is done when the beef is tender, the vegetables are cooked through, and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a slurry to thicken the broth:

• In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of flour with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth.
• About 30 minutes before the stew is done, stir the slurry into the slow cooker. This will help thicken the stew to a hearty consistency. Alternatively, you can also use cornstarch if you prefer.

Stir the stew and continue cooking until it thickens up.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked, serve the stew hot in bowls. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent meal.

Tips for Perfect Beef and Mushroom Stew

• Use good-quality beef: Since beef stew meat can be tough, it’s important to choose a cut that benefits from slow cooking, like chuck roast. This will ensure that the beef becomes tender and flavorful during the slow-cooking process.
• Add a bay leaf: A bay leaf or two added to the slow cooker will enhance the depth of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving.
• Adjust the vegetables: Feel free to mix up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Parsnips, turnips, or peas are great additions to this stew.
• Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• For extra richness: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of butter or a splash of heavy cream just before serving for added richness.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich, savory flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this stew is sure to impress. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming humble ingredients like beef, mushrooms, and vegetables into a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor. So, get your slow cooker ready, and enjoy a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!