Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook:
- Low setting: 8 hours
- High setting: 4–5 hours
Low and slow is ideal for the most tender beef. Avoid lifting the lid frequently — each peek releases heat and extends cooking time.
Step 5: Check Texture and Adjust
About 30 minutes before serving:
- Test the beef with a fork. It should be fork-tender and easy to pull apart.
- Check potatoes for softness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few potato pieces directly into the broth and stir — this naturally thickens the sauce without adding flour or cornstarch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your stew hot in deep bowls with:
- Crusty bread
- Warm dinner rolls
- A simple side salad
The stew thickens slightly as it cools, making leftovers even more flavorful the next day.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef Stew is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal ingredients and hands-off cooking, you get a deeply flavorful, hearty meal that tastes like it simmered all day — because it did.
Simple. Rustic. Satisfying.
Once you try it, this easy stew may become your go-to cold-weather favorite.
No Responses Yet