Beef stew is a classic comfort food that offers a warm, hearty meal perfect for cool evenings or lazy weekend lunches. While most recipes yield servings for a large group, this slow cooker beef stew recipe is scaled down to serve two, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner with your partner or a close friend.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large potato, peeled and cut into cubes
– 2 cups beef broth (or more to cover the ingredients)
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if available)
– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Beef**: Start by seasoning the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Place them in a bowl with the flour and toss until well coated. This will help thicken the stew as it cooks.
2. **Brown the Beef**: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid crowding and brown them on all sides. This step adds a rich flavor to the stew, so don’t skip it! Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
3. **Sauté Vegetables**: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté until they start to soften and become fragrant, then add them to the slow cooker along with the browned beef.
4. **Add Remaining Ingredients**: Place carrots and potatoes into the slow cooker with the meat mixture. Pour in enough beef broth to just cover all ingredients. Sprinkle in thyme and add a bay leaf.
5. **Slow Cook**: Set your slow cooker on low and cook for about 7-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
6. **Final Touches**: Check seasoning before serving adding more salt or pepper if needed Remove bay leaf Discard it Serve warm bowls of stew garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like
This easy slow cooker beef stew recipe perfectly portions out deliciously tender meat with hearty vegetables immersed in a flavorful broth It simplifies meal preparation as everything cooks together slowly allowing flavors meld beautifully Moreover prepping early means coming home dinner already waiting-knowing comforting hot meal awaits makes end day something truly look forward
Whether its quiet night home special date night this slow-cooker beef stew stands out its simplicity tastiness Moreover you can tweak recipe suit taste preferences For instance swap potatoes sweet potatoes add mushrooms extra richness Regardless play around ingredients create bespoke version classic dish sure enjoy
Now you know how prepare delightful dinner two without fuss Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish anytime year especially during those colder months when little extra warmth goes long way