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Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef and Root Vegetable Stew

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Pixicook editorial team

A comforting and flavorful stew made with tender beef, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients for Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef and Root Vegetable Stew

units in
USchevron
serves
8 peoplechevron

Large Carrots, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks

each

Large Parsnips, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks

each

Large Russet Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks

each

Chuck Roast, excess fat trimmed, cut into 2-inch chunks

0 lb

Stout Beer

cups

Garlic Clove, chopped

each

Onion Powder

teaspoons

Garlic Powder

teaspoons

Balsamic vinegar, preferably aged

teaspoons

Kosher Salt

teaspoons

Black Pepper

to taste

How to Make Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef and Root Vegetable Stew

1. Prepare Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and prepare them as listed.

2. Combine Vegetables and Herbs

In a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, creating a hearty base for your stew. Add the thyme and rosemary.

3. Add Beef and Seasonings

Add the chunks of chuck roast to the slow cooker. Pour in the stout beer or beef broth, followed by the maple syrup. Sprinkle the chopped garlic, onion powder, and garlic powder over the mixture. Season with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and a dash of black pepper.

4. Slow Cook

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 10 to 12 hours until the meat and vegetables are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Finish and Serve

Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the stew in shallow bowls, ensuring each bowl has a generous portion of meat, vegetables, and sauce.

Variations

Boeuf Bourguignon

Focus on beef, red wine, mushrooms, pearl onions, and garnish with fresh parsley for a French classic.

Coq au Vin

Replace beef with chicken, use chicken stock and red wine, and include mushrooms, pearl onions, and lardons.

Curried Beef Stew

Add curry elements, use a combination of stock and coconut milk, with potatoes and carrots.

Irish Stew

Utilize lamb and dark beer in the braising liquid and add barley for a traditional variant.

Goulash

Incorporate Hungarian paprika, bell peppers, and serve with sour cream and fresh dill.

Pitfalls and tips

Choose the Right Cut

Beef chuck is ideal for slow-cooking due to its marbling and connective tissue, which break down to create a tender, flavorful stew. Consider upgrading to a higher-grade beef, like USDA Choice or Prime, for an even richer taste.

Browning the Beef

Pat the beef dry before seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on all sides in a hot pan with oil until well-browned. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors due to the Maillard reaction.

Slow Cooking

Use a low and slow approach, either in a slow cooker or a low oven (around 300°F), allowing the flavors to meld and tenderizing the beef.

Deglazing the Pan

After browning the meat and cooking the onions and garlic, use the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. If not using wine, a splash of beef stock will work as well.

Layering Flavors

Add the beef stock slowly, stirring well to incorporate the flour and prevent lumps. Incorporate the thyme and bay leaves to infuse the stew with flavor.

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