Description
Jamie Oliver’s slow-cooker beef stew is a classic dish that focuses on slow-cooking beef and vegetables to bring out deep, rich flavors. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the slow cooker ensures the flavors meld beautifully over several hours.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck (1kg, diced): Ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling.
- Carrots (3 large): Peeled and sliced into chunks.
- Potatoes (3 medium): Peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Celery (2 sticks): Finely chopped for added flavor.
- Onion (1 large): Finely diced.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds depth to the stew.
- Beef stock (500ml): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Red wine (optional, 200ml): Enhances the flavor.
- Bay leaves (2): For aromatic seasoning.
- Fresh thyme (2 sprigs): Adds a herby note.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the beef.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Cornflour (1 tablespoon, mixed with water): Optional for thickening the stew.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the beef
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- In the same pan, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Combine ingredients in the slow cooker
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Add the potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Pour in the beef stock and red wine (if using). Stir everything together.
Step 4: Slow cook the stew
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce (optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornflour with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.