Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 500 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1.5 kg beef chuck (cut into 2.5 cm cubes); 4 carrots (peeled and sliced); 2 onions (sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup beef broth (low sodium); 1 cup red wine (optional); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper

500 min 6 servings Easy

All Recipes

This hearty slow cooker beef stew with carrots is perfect for a comforting meal. Tender beef simmered with carrots and aromatic herbs for a rich, flavourful dish.

Prep

20 min

Cook

480 min

Total

500 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Beef stew with carrots, or 'mijote de boeuf aux carottes', is a classic French comfort dish that brings warmth and rich flavours to your table. The use of a slow cooker allows the beef to become incredibly tender, while the carrots add a touch of sweetness and depth. This dish is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a ready-made meal. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a delicious stew that is sure to satisfy. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking.

Ingredients

Servings

Beef and Vegetables

Seasoning and Broth

Instructions

Prepare the beef

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and brown the beef in batches until golden brown. Transfer to a slow cooker.

Pro tip: Browning the meat enhances the flavour of the stew.

Prepare vegetables

In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent. Add to the slow cooker.

Pro tip: Scrape the brown bits from the skillet for added flavour.

Add remaining ingredients

Add carrots, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.

Pro tip: Red wine adds depth, but you can substitute with more beef broth if preferred.

Slow cook the stew

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavours have melded.

Pro tip: Ensure the slow cooker is at least half full for even cooking.

Check for doneness

After 8 hours, check that the beef is fork-tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Pro tip: The beef should reach an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) for safety.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Pro tip: Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a well-marbled cut of beef like chuck for tenderness.</li><li>Brown the beef before slow cooking for extra flavour.</li><li>Layer vegetables on the bottom for even cooking.</li><li>Ensure the slow cooker is at least half full for proper heat circulation.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this slow cooker beef stew with a side of crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy. A glass of red wine, like a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the dish perfectly. You can prepare this stew a day ahead; in fact, the flavours only improve as they meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months for a quick meal later.