This easy Slow Cooker Perfect Mid-week Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days. With tender beef, vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s simple to prepare and cooks itself. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and crusty bread for a truly satisfying dinner.

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Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1kg (2.2 lbs) shin of beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1 litre (4 cups) beef stock
• 1 Oxo cube, crumbled
• 1 tbsp beef gravy granules
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve:

• Mashed potato
• Bread rolls

How To Make Slow Cooker Perfect Mid-week Beef Stew

1. Coat the Beef: Start by placing the cornflour (cornstarch) in a large bowl, then add the beef pieces and toss to coat. Season with a little salt and pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the Italian herbs.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat a pan over high heat, then sear the beef for about 5 minutes until browned on all sides (this step can be skipped if desired). Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Liquids and Veggies: In the same pan, mix the stock, crumbled Oxo cube, and gravy granules, then pour over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onions, carrots, crushed garlic, remaining Italian herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato ketchup. Stir everything together.
4. Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6–7 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve: Serve with buttery mashed potato and crusty bread rolls to mop up the delicious sauce.  

Recipe Tips

• Brown the Beef First: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker locks in flavor and gives the stew a deeper, richer taste.
• Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh carrots and onions make the stew tastier and add more texture compared to frozen ones.
• Stir Occasionally: Stir the stew occasionally while it cooks to ensure even cooking and to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the sides.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Always taste the stew at the end and add more salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavors.
• Add a Splash of Wine: For extra depth of flavor, you can add a small splash of red wine when mixing the stock and gravy granules.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

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