Embrace the warmth of a comforting bowl of beef stew on a crisp November afternoon. This recipe brings together tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a blend of savory spices, creating a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for a lazy weekend or a family gathering, this beef stew is a delightful way to ward off the chill and enjoy the essence of fall.
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:
- Prep the Meat:
- Place the beef stew meat in the slow cooker.
- Coating the Meat:
- In a small bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour the flour mixture over the meat in the slow cooker and stir until the meat is evenly coated.
- Adding the Vegetables and Flavors:
- Add beef broth, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped celery, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, minced garlic, and the bay leaf to the slow cooker.
- Stir the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Slow Cooking:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook until the beef is tender enough to cut with a spoon.
- Cook on Low for 8 to 12 hours for a more leisurely approach, or on High for 4 to 6 hours for a quicker result.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the beef stew reaches the desired tenderness, discard the bay leaf.
- Ladle the steaming stew into bowls and savor the rich flavors and hearty textures.
Conclusion: As you spoon into a bowl of this soul-warming beef stew, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of its preparation and the depth of its flavors. The tender beef, combined with an array of vegetables and aromatic spices, creates a symphony of taste that is quintessentially autumn. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a good book or sharing a meal with loved ones, this beef stew is a celebration of comfort and warmth, making it the ideal companion for a chilly November afternoon.
