Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Stew, Just Like Grandma's

Who doesn't remember grandma's excellent beef and vegetable stew with its long-cooked flavors?

You can recreate this comforting recipe at home using the slow cooker. See how to do it.

Ingredients

For the beef

• 2 pounds (908 g) of your favorite beef cut, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
• 1/3 cup (40 g) of flour
• Sea salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of Italian seasoning

For the stew

• Oil for cooking
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 3-4 minced garlic cloves
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) of tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of balsamic vinegar or red wine
• 3-4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 4-5 cups (1 L - 1.25 L) of beef broth, homemade or low-sodium
• 1 star anise
• Water as needed to cover the vegetables
• 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

In a large Ziploc bag, mix the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the beef and shake until well coated.

Screenshot from Facebook / Life Made Sweeter

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cooking oil and brown the meat on all sides, without cooking it through.

Transfer the browned meat to a large slow cooker.

Screenshot from Facebook / Life Made Sweeter

Return the uncleaned skillet to the stove and add the onions and garlic. Sauté for a minute or two, then add the balsamic vinegar and tomato paste until the contents are just warm enough to deglaze the pan, about a minute. Pour into the slow cooker over the beef.

Add the potatoes, sweet potato, carrots, celery, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and beef broth to the slow cooker and mix. If there is not enough liquid to cover the vegetables, add water.

Screenshot from Facebook / Life Made Sweeter

Cook on low for 5 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours and stir halfway through. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the meat is well cooked, adjusting the cooking time if necessary.

Serve hot with fresh parsley.