Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew

Here’s a detailed guide for the beef stew recipe, including ingredients, construction, variations, and tips:

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Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
• 2 ½ pounds Beef, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
• Kosher Salt and Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
• 2 Yellow Onions, medium, diced
• 1 Fennel Bulb, diced
• 4 Carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch cubes
• 1 pound Gold Potatoes, baby Yukon gold, halved or quartered
• 4-6 cloves Garlic, minced
• 4 cups Beef Broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 ½ tablespoons Cornstarch

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Construction

1. Sear the Beef
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add half of the beef cubes, season with 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
   • Transfer to a slow cooker and repeat with the remaining beef.
2. Sauté Vegetables
   • Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
   • Sauté the onions and fennel until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
   • Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Combine Ingredients
   • Stir in carrots, potatoes, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaves.
4. Slow Cook
   • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
5. Thicken the Sauce
   • Combine cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry.
   • Add to the stew, stirring well.
   • Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve
   • Remove bay leaves and serve the stew warm with crusty bread or over rice.

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Variations

1. Vegetable Substitutions
   • Swap fennel for celery or parsnips.
   • Add green beans or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a pop of color.
2. Wine Addition
   • Replace 1 cup of beef broth with red wine for a richer flavor.
3. Herbs
   • Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for enhanced aroma.
4. Spice Twist
   • Include a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a subtle kick.
5. Protein Options
   • Substitute beef with lamb or pork for different flavor profiles.
6. Gluten-Free Option
   • Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening.

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Tips

1. Brown the Meat Well
   • Properly searing the beef enhances the stew’s depth of flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
   • Fresh garlic, vegetables, and herbs elevate the overall taste.
3. Adjust Consistency
   • For a thinner stew, add extra beef broth. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry.
4. Prep Ahead
   • Chop vegetables the night before to save time in the morning.
5. Storage
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

This hearty beef stew is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep!