🥩 Slow Cooker Cubed Beef Stew (Rich & Tender)
Ingredients
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2½–3 lbs beef stew meat (chuck, cubed)
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1 large onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 carrots, sliced
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2–3 potatoes, cubed
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2 cups beef broth
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt (adjust at end)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Base layer
Add diced onion to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place cubed beef on top.
(Optional but powerful upgrade: brown the beef in olive oil first for deeper flavor.)
2️⃣ Sauce mix
Whisk together:
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Beef broth
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Soy sauce
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Worcestershire
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Tomato paste
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Garlic
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Thyme
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Paprika
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Black pepper
Pour evenly over beef.
3️⃣ Add vegetables
Top with carrots and potatoes.
4️⃣ Cook
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LOW: 8 hours
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HIGH: 4–5 hours
Cook until beef is fork-tender.
5️⃣ Thicken (optional)
Mix cornstarch + water.
Stir into stew during last 30 minutes on HIGH.
🔥 Flavor Boost Options
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1 bay leaf while cooking
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Splash of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar at the end
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Fresh parsley before serving
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Pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
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½ tsp sugar or honey if broth tastes too salty
🍞 Serve With
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Crusty bread
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Mashed potatoes
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Buttered rice
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Warm dinner rolls