Step 4: Check for Doneness
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, check your stew. The beef should be fork-tender, and the potatoes and carrots should easily pierce with a fork. If you like a thicker stew, you can mash a few potato pieces into the broth to naturally thicken it.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give the stew a gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired. Ladle the stew into bowls, and if you like, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a warm dinner roll to soak up the savory broth.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Optional sear: Browning the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker intensifies flavor.
- Even chopping: Ensure all vegetables are cut to similar sizes for uniform cooking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 2–3 months.
- Add-ins: Green peas or celery can be added in the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
This 5-Ingredient Beef Stew proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a flavorful, hearty meal. With just a handful of pantry staples and your slow cooker, you can enjoy a cozy, home-cooked dinner any day of the week.
If you want, I can also create a short, quick-reference version of this recipe that you can print or save on your phone—perfect for busy weeknights. Do you want me to do that?
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