Origin and Region: Slow cooker chunky beef and potato stew is a popular dish that has roots in traditional European cuisine, particularly in regions with cooler climates where hearty stews are a staple comfort food. It’s commonly enjoyed in countries like Ireland, England, and Scotland, where beef and potatoes are abundant ingredients.
Introduction: Slow cooker chunky beef and potato stew is a comforting and satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, and flavorful vegetables simmer together in a rich and savory broth, creating a hearty and wholesome dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (946ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley or thyme leaves
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls for serving
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps to seal in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can toss the beef chunks in flour before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. You can add celery, mushrooms, peas, or any other vegetables you like.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can add more herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Instructions:
- Place the beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to form a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once the stew is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the chunky beef and potato stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves.
- Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal with crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side.
Description: Slow cooker chunky beef and potato stew is a classic comfort food dish that features tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, and flavorful vegetables simmered in a rich and savory broth. It’s a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s perfect for warming up on cold days.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, based on typical ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g
(Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)