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- Beef and Vegetables - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into cubes - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, sliced - Seasonings and Broth - 4 cups beef broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Garnish - Fresh parsley for garnish Using these ingredients gives your stew rich, deep flavors. The beef chuck serves as the heart of the dish. It becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking. Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and a creamy texture. Onions and garlic bring aromatic notes that uplift every bite. Carrots and celery enhance the dish's color and crunch. The seasonings are key. Dried thyme and smoked paprika add depth. They also create a warm, inviting aroma as the stew cooks. The bay leaf infuses subtle herbal notes that round out the flavors. You can adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. This lets you customize the taste to fit your preference. The beef broth is essential. It creates a savory base that brings everything together. Lastly, fresh parsley adds a splash of color when serving. It also brightens the stew's overall taste. Explore these ingredients, and you'll see why this stew is a favorite. Each one plays a role in making your dish hearty and full of flavor. Enjoy the journey of creating this delicious meal! Sautéing the Onions and Garlic Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns clear, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a base of flavor. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. The garlic will smell amazing. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside. Layering the Vegetables In the slow cooker, place the chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery at the bottom. This layer adds sweetness and texture. The sweet potatoes bring a creamy feel, while the carrots and celery add crunch and color. Adding the Beef and Seasoning Now it’s time for the beef! Place the beef cubes on top of the veggies. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the meat, then add the dried thyme and smoked paprika. These spices give the stew a rich, smoky flavor. Pour the beef broth over everything. Finally, stir in the sautéed onions and garlic. Don’t forget to add the bay leaf for extra depth. Gently mix to combine, ensuring the beef is well submerged in the broth. Setting the Cooking Time Set your slow cooker to low for 8 hours or to high for 4 hours. This slow cooking method makes the beef tender and juicy. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together. Stirring and Final Adjustments About an hour before it's done, give the stew a gentle stir. This helps blend the flavors even more. When cooking time is up, remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt or pepper can really enhance the dish. Garnishing with Fresh Parsley To serve, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This step adds color and a fresh taste. The parsley brightens up the rich stew perfectly. Suggested Side Dishes Pair this stew with crusty bread or a simple salad. The bread is perfect for dipping. A salad offers a nice, crisp contrast to the warm stew. Enjoy your meal! Using Fresh Herbs Fresh herbs can lift your stew. I recommend adding fresh parsley at the end. It adds brightness. You can also try thyme or rosemary for extra depth. Chop them finely and sprinkle them on top just before serving. Alternative Seasonings You can jazz up your stew with different spices. For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you love garlic, add more cloves. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavor too. Mix and match to find your perfect taste. Choosing the Right Cut of Beef Use beef chuck for the best results. It becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks. Cuts like brisket or round can work too, but chuck shines in slow cooking. Always cut the beef into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Importance of Cooking Time Cooking time is key for tender beef. Low and slow is the way to go. Eight hours on low ensures the beef breaks down nicely. If you’re short on time, four hours on high works too. Just keep an eye on it for tenderness. {{image_2}} You can swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or butternut squash. Both options add a nice texture and flavor. Regular potatoes are starchy and creamy, while butternut squash brings a subtle sweetness. Both choices cook similarly to sweet potatoes. Feel free to add or change vegetables based on your taste. Zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans work well. You can also use root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. To make this stew in an Instant Pot, layer the ingredients as usual. Sauté the onions and garlic first. Then, add the beef and broth. Set the pot to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. This method saves time and keeps the meat tender. If you prefer the stovetop, use a large pot. Sauté the onions and garlic, then add the beef to brown. After that, add the vegetables and broth. Simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method gives a rich flavor as it cooks. - To store leftovers, let the stew cool to room temperature first. - Transfer the stew to an airtight container. - Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it moist. - Heat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. - Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for freezing. - Leave some space at the top for expansion. - Label each container with the date and contents. - To thaw, move the stew to the fridge overnight. - You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting for quick thawing. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can. Try chicken, pork, or turkey. Each meat adds its own flavor. Just adjust cooking times. Chicken cooks faster than beef. Pork and turkey work well too. How long can I store leftovers? Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. Keep the stew in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Is it possible to make this stew gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free beef broth. Check the labels for any other ingredients. Most spices are gluten-free, but always read the labels. What can I serve with beef and sweet potato stew? Serve the stew with crusty bread or rice. A fresh salad with light dressing pairs well too. You can also add a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for extra veggies. We explored how to make delicious slow cooker beef and sweet potato stew. You learned about the key ingredients, tips for great flavor, and variations you can try. Remember to choose the right cut of beef for tender meat and adjust seasoning to your taste. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these steps and tips, you can create a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Enjoy making this stew, and feel free to experiment with your own twists!

Slow Cooker Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Warm up your evenings with this Savory Slow Cooker Beef and Sweet Potato Stew! This hearty recipe is packed with tender beef, sweet potatoes, and vegetables, simmered to perfection with aromatic spices. Perfect for busy days, this comforting stew is easy to prepare and delivers rich flavors your family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and discover the secrets to a delightful slow-cooked meal!
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into cubes

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

      In the slow cooker, place the chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery as the base layer.

        Add the beef cubes over the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika.

          Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, followed by the bay leaf.

            Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the beef is submerged in the broth.

              Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

                Once done, remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust seasoning as necessary.

                  Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6