🥩 Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Stew

🛒 Ingredients

For the beef:

• 2½–3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3–4 medium potatoes, chopped (optional)

• 3 carrots, sliced (optional)

For the sauce:

• ½ cup beef broth

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, balances flavor)

Optional thickener (for gravy):

• 1–2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the slow cooker
   Place diced onions at the bottom. Add beef cubes (and potatoes/carrots if using).

2. Make the sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire, olive oil, garlic, herbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.

3. Pour & cook
   Pour sauce evenly over beef.

   • Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours

   • Or HIGH for 4–5 hours

4. Thicken (optional)
   Mix cornstarch with cold water. Stir into slow cooker during the last 30 minutes. Cover and let thicken.

5. Serve
   Great over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.

❓ Q & A

❓ What cut of beef works best?

Beef chuck is ideal. It becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking. Stew meat also works.

❓ Do I need to brown the beef first?

Not required, but browning in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side adds deeper flavor.

❓ Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes!

• Place in a covered Dutch oven.

• Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 2½–3 hours.

❓ Can I make it without soy sauce?

Yes. Substitute with:

• Coconut aminos

• Or extra beef broth + ½ tsp salt

❓ How do I make it spicy?

Add:

• ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes

• Or 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce

❓ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Store in airtight container up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat gently.

❓ Why is my beef tough?

It likely needs more cooking time. Chuck becomes tender when cooked long enough.