Q1. Can I use frozen beef for this slow cooker recipe?

Absolutely, Just add 1-2 hours to your cooking time if starting with frozen beef chunks. I like to sear them first (even partially frozen) for extra flavor—just pat them dry so they brown nicely. The long cook time ensures they'll still get tender.

Q2. My stew turned out too watery—how can I fix it?

No worries, Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir it into the hot stew, and let it bubble for 5 minutes. If you've got time, you can also remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes to reduce the liquid. Remember—it thickens as it cools too.

Q3. Can I add other vegetables to this winter beef stew?

Please do, I often toss in mushrooms, parsnips, or peas during the last 30 minutes. Heartier veggies like celery or turnips can go in at the start. Just keep pieces uniform so everything cooks evenly.

Q4. How do I prevent the potatoes from turning to mush?

Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds, and cut them into big 1-inch chunks. If cooking all day, you can also add them halfway through—though I find 8 hours on LOW keeps them perfectly tender.

Q5. Can I make this comfort food dinner in an Instant Pot?

You bet, Brown the beef using Sauté mode, then pressure cook on High for 35 minutes with natural release. The flavor won't be quite as deep as slow cooking, but it's a great weeknight shortcut.

8-Hour Hearty Beef Stew That Melts in Your Mouth -

Name: 8-Hour Hearty Beef Stew That Melts in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes; 1 onion, chopped; 3 carrots, sliced; 3 potatoes, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

8-Hour Hearty Beef Stew That Melts in Your Mouth

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A warm and hearty beef stew made in your slow cooker for an easy comfort food dinner.

Author: RecipeZest
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Place beef, onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
If a thicker stew is desired, mix flour with a little water and stir into the stew 30 minutes before serving.
Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
You can add other vegetables like peas or celery if preferred.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://recipeszest.com/hearty-beef-stew-slow-cooker-recipe/