Introduction
Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty beef stew, especially when it’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This recipe combines tender beef shin, robust red wine, and an assortment of vegetables to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Stews have been a staple in global cuisine for centuries, valued for their ability to transform simple ingredients into hearty, flavorful dishes. Beef stew, in particular, is a quintessential comfort food, originating in European kitchens where slow cooking was essential for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat. This recipe brings together the traditional method with the convenience of modern slow cookers, allowing you to achieve deep, rich flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 750g beef shin or other braising beef, cut into large chunks and fat removed
- 2 tbsp plain flour, heavily seasoned
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 100ml red wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 400ml beef stock
To Serve:
- Mashed potato
- Long-stemmed broccoli
- A handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Optional Additions
- Potatoes or Parsnips: Add diced root vegetables to the stew for extra bulk.
- Mushrooms: Toss in for an earthy depth of flavor.
- Bay Leaves: Add 1–2 leaves during cooking for a subtle herbal note.
- Garlic: Sauté minced garlic with the onion for a fragrant boost.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Add a splash for a touch of acidity and sweetness.
Tips for Success
- Browning the beef is essential for developing rich flavors; don’t skip this step.
- Use a dry red wine for depth—Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while browning the beef to ensure an even sear.
- Let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Toss the beef chunks in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Brown the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over high heat. Fry the beef in batches, ensuring each piece is browned all over. Add more oil if necessary. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour the red wine into the same pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes, then tip the wine into the slow cooker.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, tomato purée, rosemary, and beef stock to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
5. Cook:
- Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours (or on low for 7–8 hours) until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
6. Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the stew in bowls over mashed potato, alongside steamed long-stemmed broccoli, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Description
This slow-cooker beef stew is a symphony of flavors. The beef shin becomes meltingly tender, infused with the richness of red wine and the savory depth of beef stock. Carrots and celery add natural sweetness and a pop of color, while rosemary lends a fragrant, earthy note. Served with buttery mashed potatoes and crisp broccoli, it’s the ultimate comfort dish for any occasion.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Estimated for 4 servings)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 32g
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion and Recommendation
This slow-cooker beef stew is a classic dish that’s perfect for cold days, family dinners, or meal prepping. The combination of tender beef and flavorful vegetables makes it as nutritious as it is satisfying. Pair it with mashed potatoes and broccoli for a complete, balanced meal that’s bound to please everyone at the table.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
For a lighter version, substitute beef shin with leaner cuts or use turkey or chicken. Replace some of the beef stock with extra vegetables for a lower-calorie option, and experiment with plant-based wines for a vegan-friendly twist.
This slow-cooker beef stew is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of comfort and warmth, straight from your kitchen. Dig in and enjoy!