Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Stew

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🍲 Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Stew

📝 Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich, slow-cooked beef stew simmering for hours until the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. This Garlic Herb Slow Cooker Beef Stew is packed with bold flavors from fresh garlic, herbs, and a savory sauce that slowly infuses into every bite of beef.

Perfect for cozy family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal.

📜 History of Beef Stew

Beef stew has ancient roots dating back to early civilizations where slow cooking tough cuts of meat made them tender and flavorful.

  • In France, it evolved into Boeuf Bourguignon.
  • In Ireland, it became a traditional hearty stew with root vegetables.
  • In Morocco, slow-cooked beef dishes like tagine use spices and herbs for deep flavor.

Slow cooking has always been a practical and delicious way to feed families using affordable cuts of meat.

🥩 Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 1.5 kg beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Optional Additions:

  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

🥣 Formation (Preparation Setup)

  1. Cut beef into equal cubes for even cooking.
  2. Dice onions and mince garlic.
  3. Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  4. Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing it.

👨‍🍳 Method (Cooking Process)

Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

  • Heat olive oil in a pan.
  • Sear beef cubes until browned on all sides.
  • This locks in flavor and improves texture.

Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker

  • Place onions at the bottom.
  • Add beef cubes on top.
  • Pour sauce mixture evenly over the meat.
  • Add vegetables if using.

Step 3: Slow Cook

  • Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours
    or
  • Cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours

Step 4: Thicken (Optional)

  • Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water.
  • Stir into stew 20 minutes before serving.

🥗 Nutritional Value (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 420–480 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Iron: High
  • Vitamin B12: Excellent source
  • Zinc: Rich source

🌟 Benefits

✔ High in protein for muscle growth
✔ Rich in iron (supports healthy blood)
✔ Slow cooking preserves nutrients
✔ Easy meal prep option
✔ Budget-friendly cut of meat

❤️ Why People Love This Dish

  • Deep, rich flavor
  • Tender, juicy beef
  • Comforting and satisfying
  • Perfect for cold weather
  • Great leftovers (tastes even better the next day!)

Families, food lovers, and meat enthusiasts adore this recipe because it combines simplicity with gourmet taste.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over mashed potatoes
  • Pair with steamed rice
  • Enjoy with crusty bread
  • Add a fresh green salad on the side

🏁 Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Stew is the perfect combination of tradition, comfort, and flavor. With minimal preparation and maximum reward, it’s a recipe that brings people together around the table.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers warmth, nutrition, and satisfaction in every bite.

If you’d like, I can also give you a spicy version, a Moroccan-style version, or a creamy version of this recipe! 🍲

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