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- 2 pounds beef chuck (1-inch cubes) - 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced) - 1 large onion (finely diced) - 3 cloves garlic (minced) - 4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium) - 2 carrots (sliced into rounds) - 2 celery stalks (sliced) - Spices: thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf - Olive oil, salt, and black pepper - Garnish: fresh parsley Gathering the right ingredients is key for a great stew. Start with fresh beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes. This cut is perfect for slow cooking. It becomes tender and full of flavor. Next, choose sweet potatoes. They add sweetness and creaminess to the dish. Peel and dice them into even cubes for even cooking. Onions and garlic make the stew aromatic. Use one large onion, finely diced, and three cloves of minced garlic. For the broth, I suggest low-sodium beef broth. It gives depth without too much salt. Carrots and celery add texture and color. Slice two carrots into rounds and cut two celery stalks into half-moons. Finally, don’t forget the spices. You’ll need thyme, smoked paprika, and a bay leaf for that warm, comforting flavor. Olive oil, salt, and black pepper round out the seasoning. Finish your stew with fresh parsley. It adds a bright touch when serving. Now you’re all set to create a delicious beef and sweet potato stew! Sautéing the Onion and Garlic Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat. Add 1 large onion, finely diced. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn translucent and fragrant. Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for another 30 seconds. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside. Layering Vegetables in the Slow Cooker Grab your slow cooker. Begin by adding 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into uniform cubes. Then, add 2 sliced carrots and 2 sliced celery stalks. This colorful base adds flavor and texture to the dish. Adding Beef and Seasoning Next, place 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, on top of the vegetables. Spread the beef evenly over the veggies. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Ensure the spices coat the meat well for maximum flavor. Pouring in the Broth Now, gently pour in 4 cups of beef broth, preferably low sodium. Make sure the broth covers the beef and vegetables. Then, add your sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Toss in 1 bay leaf for an extra boost of flavor. Use a spatula to stir everything lightly, ensuring the beef is submerged in the broth. Low vs. High Cooking Settings Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. The low setting allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Checking for Doneness After the cooking time is up, check the stew. The beef should be tender, and the vegetables should be fork-tender. Carefully remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your hearty stew! - Enhancing Broth Flavor and Texture To boost the flavor, use low-sodium beef broth. This allows you to control the salt. Add fresh herbs like thyme to enrich the taste. A bay leaf also adds depth. You can even splash a bit of red wine for extra richness. It makes the stew feel special. - Importance of Searing the Beef Searing the beef is key for flavor. It creates a nice crust that locks in juices. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the beef cubes. This step adds a rich, savory taste to your stew. Don't skip it, as it makes a big difference. - Overcrowding the Slow Cooker Avoid filling the slow cooker to the brim. If you overcrowd it, the beef won't cook evenly. Leave some space for the ingredients to bubble and blend. This ensures a well-cooked, tasty stew. - Seasoning Adjustments Be careful with your seasoning. It’s easy to add too much salt early on. Taste the stew towards the end of cooking. Adjust the salt and pepper only if needed. This way, you keep the flavors balanced. - Best Slow Cooker Models for Stews Choose a slow cooker with a good size and temperature settings. A 6-quart model works well for this recipe. Look for one with a programmable timer. This helps you cook your stew perfectly every time. - Essential Kitchen Tools Use a sturdy cutting board for prep. A sharp knife makes cutting beef and vegetables easy. You’ll also need a large skillet for searing. Finally, have a good ladle for serving your delicious stew. {{image_4}} You can switch up the vegetables. For a twist, use regular potatoes or parsnips. They add different textures and tastes. If you want a lighter stew, try zucchini or bell peppers. When it comes to the beef, you can use different cuts. Brisket or sirloin works great too. They have unique flavors that can change the stew's taste. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly for tenderness. For gluten-free options, ensure your broth is gluten-free. Most beef broths are safe, but always check labels. You can also skip any thickeners that might contain gluten. If you're on a paleo diet, replace the beef broth with bone broth. This adds rich flavor and is very nutritious. You can also use sweet potatoes as your main carb source. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaves. They give a lovely aroma to the stew. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh thyme before serving. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Start small and taste as you go. This way, you can control the spice level. - Refrigeration Tips: Let the stew cool down first. After it cools, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. - Freezing and Reheating: For longer storage, freeze the stew. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Heat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. - How Long Does Stew Last?: When stored properly, stew lasts about three days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can last around three months. - Signs of Spoilage: Check for off smells or changes in color. If the stew has a strange texture, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses. - Sides to Pair with Stew: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also enjoy it over rice or mashed potatoes. - Creative Ways to Use Leftover Stew: Use leftover stew as a filling for pies or wraps. You can also blend it into a sauce for pasta. It’s a great way to add flavor to new dishes. Yes, you can cook the stew overnight. Set your slow cooker on low. This will allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become very tender. You can use chicken or turkey in this recipe. For a plant-based option, try using lentils or mushrooms. Both will add great flavor to the stew. To thicken the stew, you can mix a spoonful of cornstarch with water and stir it in. Another way is to mash some sweet potatoes against the side of the pot. This adds body and creaminess. Yes, you can make this stew in a regular pot on the stove. Cook it over low heat for about 2 to 3 hours until the beef is tender. Just keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally. This stew serves about six people. Each serving has around 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbs. The beef adds iron, while sweet potatoes provide vitamins A and C. In this blog post, we explored a hearty beef stew recipe from start to finish. We reviewed key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to avoid common mistakes. We also discussed variations for different diets and flavor preferences. Making this stew offers a cozy meal for any occasion. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with others. Remember, the secret lies in the details, so take your time and savor the process. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Warm up your evenings with this delicious Savory Slow Cooker Beef and Sweet Potato Stew! Packed with tender beef, hearty sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies, this dish is perfect for family dinners. Discover how easy it is to create this comforting meal with just a few simple steps. Your slow cooker does all the work! Click to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your table tonight.
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into uniform cubes

1 large onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)

2 carrots, sliced into rounds

2 celery stalks, sliced into half-moons

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 bay leaf

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a generously sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, just until the garlic releases its aroma. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

      In the slow cooker, start by layering the chopped sweet potatoes, followed by the sliced carrots and celery, creating a colorful base for the stew.

        Next, add the beef cubes on top of the vegetables, ensuring an even spread. Season the meat with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to coat the beef.

          Gently pour the beef broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring the meats and vegetables are covered. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, along with the bay leaf to enhance the flavors.

            Utilize a spatula or spoon to stir the ingredients lightly, making sure that the beef is submerged in the broth for optimum flavor infusion.

              Cover the slow cooker with its lid, setting it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for approximately 4 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are fork-tender.

                Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

                  Serve the stew hot in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6