Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aromas with this incredible Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Beer! Imagine tender, fall-apart beef swimming in a rich, flavorful broth that's been slowly simmering all day, infused with the deep, complex notes of your favorite beer. This isn't just a meal - it's a culinary experience that will transport you to a cozy cabin on a chilly evening, warming you from the inside out. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bottle (12 oz) beer
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps develop a better sear and enhances flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Transfer browned meat to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and slightly translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the browned beef. Pour in the remaining beer and beef broth.
- Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Once beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft, the stew is ready. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Always use beef chuck roast, as its marbling ensures tender, flavorful meat after long cooking.
- Pat Meat Dry: Before searing, ensure beef cubes are completely dry to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't Skip the Searing: Browning the meat before slow cooking develops deep, rich flavors that are crucial to an exceptional stew.
- Beer Selection Matters: Use a darker beer like a stout or porter for deeper flavor, but avoid very hoppy craft beers that might make the stew bitter.
- Layer Flavors: Sautéing onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker helps release their aromatics and intensifies the overall taste.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Cooking on low heat for 7-8 hours allows the meat to become incredibly tender and lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the stew rest for 10 minutes helps the flavors settle and makes for a more cohesive dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
