In this delicious guide, we’re diving into the heart of comfort cooking with the Best Ever Beef Stew — a dish that embodies warmth, flavor, and nostalgia. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something cozy, this stew delivers tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply savory broth. Follow this simple, step-by-step recipe to create a soul-soothing classic that everyone will love.
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 2 pounds |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Seasoning salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion, diced | 1 large |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Worcestershire sauce | ¼ cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Beef demi-glace (or Swanson Flavor Boost) | 2 heaping teaspoons |
| Red-skinned potatoes, diced | 4 medium to large |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 3 large |
| Celery, diced | 1 stalk |
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Coat the Beef
Place the stew meat in a resealable plastic bag. Add the flour and seasoning salt, then shake well until all the pieces are evenly coated.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef and sear on all sides until browned. Transfer the browned meat to the bottom of your slow cooker and season with black pepper.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Transfer the onions to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour the Worcestershire sauce, water, and beef demi-glace into the skillet. Whisk to combine, scraping the bottom to release any remaining flavor. Once mixed, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
To the slow cooker, add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, and bay leaves on top of the meat and onions.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Pour the Worcestershire-broth mixture from the skillet over the contents of the slow cooker.
Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked.
Step 8: Final Touch
Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Give everything a gentle stir, then ladle into bowls and serve warm
