Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this McCormick Beef Stew Slow Cooker recipe! This delicious dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend evenings. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; your slow cooker will do all the hard work, leaving you with a tender, richly flavored beef stew that's sure to become a family favorite. This easy recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients and delivers a comforting, healthy meal – perfect for those searching for quick dinner ideas and best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp McCormick Beef Stew Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, beef broth, frozen peas, frozen corn, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, McCormick Beef Stew Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the vegetables are cooked through. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Once the stew is cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This delicious homemade cooking creation is perfect served with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Stew:
- Use a good quality beef stew meat: Look for cuts with enough fat for flavor and tenderness.
- Don't skip browning the beef: This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on your slow cooker and the size of the beef cubes, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, turnips, or parsnips.
Variations:
- Spicy Beef Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Hearty Beef Stew with Barley: Include 1/2 cup of barley along with the other ingredients for a heartier stew.
- Beef Stew with Dumplings: Top with homemade or store-bought dumplings during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This McCormick Beef Stew Slow Cooker recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a guaranteed winner! Enjoy this healthy meal and its comforting flavors. This easy recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for those seeking healthy meals and easy recipes without sacrificing taste. This is truly one of the best recipes for a satisfying and delicious dinner.