Slow Cooker Irish Poor Man’s Beef Stew

Ingredients

– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1/2 cup tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Toss the beef cubes with the flour until they are evenly coated. This helps to thicken the stew as it cooks.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring a good sear for flavor. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, add the onions and cook until they are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute before transferring to the slow cooker.
4. Place the sliced carrots and potato chunks into the slow cooker with the beef and onions.
5. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the ingredients are well covered. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll cook to perfection in the residual heat.
8. Once the cooking is complete, adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variations & Tips:

– For those who like a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced chili to the stew.
– A splash of good Irish stout can enrich the broth if you fancy a more complex flavor.
– If you’re looking to thicken the stew further, a cornstarch slurry mixed in during the last hour of cooking will do the trick.
– To make this stew even more budget-friendly, replace the beef with cubed lamb shoulder or even chicken thighs for a different twist on the traditional flavor.
– Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with additional root vegetables such as turnips or parsnips to enjoy the full spectrum of hearty flavors. Enjoy the process and the delicious results of this warm, comforting dish.