Description

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the rich, hearty flavors of a slow-cooked meal. This recipe for a savory beef and potato dish is the epitome of a satisfying dinner that leaves everyone around the table fully content. Imagine tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked to perfection, mingling with soft, flavorful potatoes in a deeply aromatic broth. The best part? This dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Method

Prep the Ingredients: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that each piece is roughly the same size for even cooking. Peel and cube the potatoes, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.

Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear the meat on all sides until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor of the dish. Once seared, transfer the meat to your slow cooker.

Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary, then sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker, spreading them over the beef.

Add the Potatoes and Seasoning: Place the cubed potatoes over the beef and onions in the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is well-covered. Add the Worcestershire sauce for an extra umami kick.

Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process will allow the beef to become tender and the potatoes to absorb all the delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is up, check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness to the dish.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip: Elevating the Flavor

To elevate this dish even further, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the broth before slow cooking. This adds a layer of acidity that balances the richness of the beef and brings out the sweetness of the onions and garlic. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can also create a slurry with cornstarch and water, adding it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This will give the broth a luscious, velvety texture that clings beautifully to the beef and potatoes.
Conclusion: A Meal That Satisfies Every Time

This slow-cooked beef and potato dish is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, it’s one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself returning to time and again. The ease of preparation combined with the depth of flavor makes it a standout dish that can hold its own at any dinner table. Plus, the fact that it leaves zero leftovers speaks volumes about just how delicious it is. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So the next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and satisfying, give this dish a try—you won’t be disappointed!