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–+ servings

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Green Bean Stew With Roasted Garlic

Whip up a delicious beef stew in your slow cooker! Our hearty recipe with green beans and roasted garlic is simple, satisfying, and ideal for meal prep.
Servings 6
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Skillet (optional)
  • Serving Spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 lb green beans (fresh, trimmed and halved)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 potatoes (medium, diced)
  • 1 onion (medium, chopped)
  • 3 carrots (sliced)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp thyme (dried)
  • 1 tsp rosemary (dried)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • Roast Garlic Until Caramelized
    To kick off the garlic roasting process, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You're about to initiate a flavor-enhancing journey that'll take your beef stew to the next level.
    Grab a whole head of garlic and slice off the top, exposing the cloves inside. Drizzle a touch of olive oil over the exposed cloves, letting it seep into the crevices. Wondering why this step matters? It's all about maximizing that roasted garlic goodness!
    Next, wrap your oiled garlic head in foil, creating a snug little packet. Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. As it roasts, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma. Can you imagine how incredible it'll smell?
    Once time's up, carefully remove the garlic and let it cool slightly. Now comes the fun part: gently squeeze the cloves out of their skins. They should slip out easily, transformed into a creamy, golden paste.
    This roasted garlic will infuse your stew with a deep, mellow flavor that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to take your cooking skills up a notch?
  • Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
    Grab your slow cooker and let's start layering in the ingredients. One of the greatest slow cooker benefits is the ability to toss everything in and walk away, so let's take advantage of that convenience.
    Begin by adding the cubed beef to the bottom of your slow cooker. This placement allows the meat to soak up all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
    Next, add your chopped onions, diced potatoes, and sliced carrots. Don't forget those vibrant green beans! If you're feeling adventurous, why not try some ingredient substitutions? Bell peppers or mushrooms could add an interesting twist.
    Now, sprinkle in your dried herbs and seasonings. Remember, you can always adjust these to your taste later.
    Pour in the beef broth, making sure all ingredients are submerged. Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce over the top for that extra umami kick.
  • Add Broth and Seasonings
    The heart of your stew's flavor profile lies in the broth and seasonings. Now's the time to bring your creation to life with a rich, savory base. Start by selecting your broth type. While beef broth is the classic choice, don't be afraid to experiment. Have you considered using a combination of beef and vegetable broth for added depth? Or perhaps a splash of red wine for a touch of sophistication?
    As you pour in your chosen broth, make sure it covers all the ingredients. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully during the slow cooking process.
    Now, let's talk seasoning variations. The recipe calls for thyme and rosemary, but why stop there? You might add a bay leaf for an earthy note, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor. Remember, the slow cooker will intensify these flavors, so start conservatively. You can always adjust later.
    Don't forget the Worcestershire sauce – it's your secret weapon for umami. As you sprinkle in your seasonings, take a moment to inhale the aromatic promise of the delicious meal to come.
  • Cook on Low 8 Hours
    With your slow cooker now filled with a savory mixture of beef, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, it's time to let the magic happen. Set your slow cooker to low and prepare for an 8-hour cooking journey that'll transform your ingredients into a mouthwatering stew. This long, slow cooking process is one of the key slow cooker benefits, allowing flavors to meld and tenderizing even the toughest cuts of beef.
    As your stew simmers, you'll notice enticing aromas filling your home. Resist the temptation to lift the lid, as this releases heat and extends cooking time. Instead, use this opportunity to explore beef stew variations. Why not plan a global-inspired version for next time? Consider a Hungarian goulash or a Moroccan tagine-style stew.
    After about 6 hours, you may want to check the consistency. If it's too thin, you can remove the lid for the final hour to allow some liquid to evaporate.
  • Stir in Roasted Garlic Cloves
    Aromatic and rich, roasted garlic is the secret ingredient that'll elevate your beef stew to new heights. As you lift the slow cooker lid, you'll be greeted by the tantalizing aroma of tender beef and vegetables.
    Now, it's time to stir in those golden, caramelized garlic cloves you prepared earlier. Can you imagine the depth of flavor they'll bring?
    Gently mash the roasted garlic with a fork before adding it to the stew. This'll help release its sweet, nutty flavors throughout the dish. As you stir, watch how the cloves melt into the broth, infusing it with their essence.
    Did you know that garlic isn't just delicious but also packed with health benefits? It's true! You're not only creating a mouthwatering meal but also boosting your immune system.
    The garlic flavors will meld beautifully with the beef and vegetables, creating a harmonious blend that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
    Don't be surprised if your kitchen becomes the most popular room in the house! Ready to taste the magic? Grab a spoon and savor the transformation of your stew.
  • Adjust Seasoning Before Serving
    After hours of simmering, your beef stew is nearly ready to serve.
    But before you dish it out, it's essential to make those final seasoning adjustments that'll elevate your stew from good to great.
    Grab a clean spoon and take a taste. How's the flavor? Is it rich and satisfying, or does it need a little boost?
    If you find it's lacking, don't worry. This is your chance for some flavor enhancement.
    Add a pinch of salt to bring out the existing flavors, or a dash of black pepper for a subtle kick.
    Does it need more depth? Try a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of tomato paste.
    Want to brighten it up? A squeeze of lemon juice can work wonders.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 34gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 785mgPotassium: 1196mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5657IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 5mg
Calories: 425kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Keyword: Best slow cooker beef dishes, Classic American beef stew recipe, Easy slow cooker meals for families, Hearty slow cooker beef stew recipe, Meal prep beef stew recipe, Quick prep slow cooker beef meals, Rich and savory beef stew in a crockpot, Tender beef stew with vegetables