As the brisk winds of November sweep through, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew to warm you up from the inside out. This classic dish, brimming with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic spices, is the epitome of comfort food. Let’s delve into the ingredients and simple steps to create this soul-soothing meal that’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly afternoon.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large bay leaf
Directions:
- Place the beef stew meat in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground black pepper. Pour the flour mixture over the meat in the slow cooker, stirring until the meat is evenly coated.
- Add the beef broth, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped celery, Worcestershire sauce, ground paprika, minced garlic, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the beef stew until the meat is tender enough to cut with a spoon. This can be done on Low heat for 8 to 12 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, or on High heat for 4 to 6 hours for a quicker cooking time.
- Once the beef stew is cooked to perfection, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Serve the warm and comforting beef stew in bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Conclusion: With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this beef stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly November afternoons. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying meal on its own or paired with crusty bread for dipping, this dish is sure to warm both body and soul. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to cozy up with a bowl of this delicious beef stew—it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
