Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew – Perfect for Cozy Nights

When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing better than a warm, hearty stew to cozy up with. This Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew is packed with tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful broth, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It's a comforting meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cups beef broth

• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/4 cup flour

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

• Season the beef: Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper.

• Sear the beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring all sides are seared. This will lock in flavor and give the stew a rich, caramelized base. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

• Add mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to release their moisture and begin to brown.

• Transfer to slow cooker: Once the vegetables are done, transfer them to the slow cooker with the beef.

3. Make the Stew Base:

• Create the broth mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, flour, thyme, and rosemary. The flour will help thicken the stew as it cooks.

• Combine ingredients: Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Cook the Stew:

• Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the stew has thickened.

• Check consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the stew 30 minutes before it's done cooking.

5. Serve and Garnish:

• Garnish: Once the stew is ready, stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary.

• Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

• Enjoy: Serve the stew with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete, cozy meal.
  
  
  
  

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew is the ultimate comfort food. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich, aromatic broth. It's a dish that's perfect for a cold evening, and it gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Tips for the Perfect Stew:

• Brown the meat: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef! It adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the stew.

• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips to make the stew even heartier.

• Adjust the thickness: If you want a thicker broth, you can add more flour or cornstarch at the end, as mentioned in the instructions.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair this Beef and Mushroom Stew with a slice of buttered bread for dipping, or serve it over mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.

• For a lighter option, serve with a simple side salad to balance out the richness of the stew.

This stew is perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting, flavorful meal without much effort. Set it up in the morning, let the slow cooker work its magic, and come home to a warm, delicious dinner that's sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!