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Slow-Cooked Root Vegetable and Beef Stew

This hearty stew combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips, all cooked slowly to develop deep, rich flavors. The dish features a thick, comforting broth with a rustic appearance, as the vegetables break down slightly and meld with the savory beef for a satisfying bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat cut into chunks
  • 3 large carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips parsnips peeled and chopped
  • 2 turnips turnips peeled and chopped
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons oil for searing
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Season the beef chunks generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch, to develop rich flavor. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  2. While the beef sears, peel and chop the carrots, parsnips, and turnips into roughly 1-inch pieces for even cooking and attractive presentation.
  3. Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic cloves. Add both to the skillet with the remaining oil, cooking until fragrant and onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
  4. Layer the chopped root vegetables over the beef in the slow cooker, spreading them evenly for balanced flavor and appearance.
  5. Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged. Cover with the lid and set to low heat for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
  6. After the cooking time, check the stew; the vegetables should be meltingly tender and the beef fall-apart soft. Stir gently to combine flavors and break down some vegetables if desired for a thicker broth.
  7. Taste the broth and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional thyme if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

For a thicker stew, mash some of the vegetables into the broth before serving. Feel free to add other root vegetables or herbs for variation.