Easy Beef Stew in the Slow Cooker

It doesn't matter if it's summertime and close to 100 degrees with extra humidity in the air, sauna-style... I will cook and happily eat Beef Stew any day or time of the year.

While I am an over thinker about most things in life, cooking is rarely one of them. I'm a bit of a lazy "chef". So, the other day, I wanted my Beef Stew fast and I wanted to do as little prep and cooking as possible.

I did spend a good deal of time chopping my veggies in the most beautifully chunky shapes as doing so is meditative for me... but I started by cooking the beef over a little olive oil on the stove top and sprinkling it with a little flour and then I threw all the chopped veggies, beef and beef broth into the slow cooker on High for 4 hours. You can also cook the stew for 8-9 hours on Low if you'd prefer to do so. But don't overthink any of it. Sometimes I throw in chicken broth. I throw in random seasonings as well, depending on what's in the kitchen and it always turns out delicious!!

#anytimestew #beefstew #soup #cozy #healthyeats

A Greek or an Italian salad is always a perfect complimentary dish to have with any soup.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin oil

• 1.5-2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1-2 quarts of beef or chicken broth/water

• 4+ large carrots, peeled and sliced

• 4+ stalks celery, chopped

• 1-2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1-2 cups chopped potatoes 

• Can of tomato sauce (with only tomatoes as ingredient)! (optional)
  

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 2 bay leaves

• Add salt to your liking

The Plan

Start food prepping...

Prepare the Ingredients

   - Cut the beef stew meat into 1-inch cubes

   - Chop the veggies into chunks/pieces

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

   - Add the beef, veggies, broth and seasonings into the slow cooker

Start cookin'...

   - Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender OR

Cook on low for 8-9 hours.

Final Touches...

Add more seasoning or salt/pepper/water upon tasting preferences

Finish and Serve

   - Remove the bay leaves before serving.