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As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there's a natural inclination to seek out meals that wrap us in warmth and comfort. The transition from the vibrant hues of summer to the rich, earthy tones of autumn invites us to gather around the table with loved ones, savoring hearty dishes that nourish both body and soul. One such dish that embodies the essence of this season is the Rustic Harvest Beef Stew. With its rich, robust flavors and nourishing ingredients, this stew is a celebration of the bounty of fall.

Slow Cooker Harvest Beef Stew

Discover the warmth of fall with Rustic Harvest Beef Stew, a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. This hearty recipe combines tender beef chuck, seasonal vegetables like carrots and butternut squash, and aromatic herbs for a flavor-packed meal. Ideal for busy families, it's easy to prepare in a slow cooker, allowing the rich flavors to meld beautifully. Gather around the table and enjoy a nourishing meal that celebrates the essence of autumn with loved ones.

Ingredients
  

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

3 medium potatoes, diced (preferably Yukon Gold or red)

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 cup butternut squash, diced

1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

4 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper. In batches, sear the beef for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Once seared, transfer the beef to a slow cooker.

    Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Once done, transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the seared beef.

      Add Vegetables: In the slow cooker, layer the freshly sliced carrots, diced potatoes, mushrooms, butternut squash, and green beans over the beef and onion mixture.

        Mix Liquids and Spices: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and additional salt and pepper. Stir the mixture well until combined.

          Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the flavorful broth mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure everything is well distributed.

            Cook It Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

              Finishing Touch: Once the cooking time is complete, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving!

                Serve and Garnish: Ladle generous portions of the hearty stew into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve alongside crusty bread for the perfect dipping experience!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 8 hrs 20 mins | 6 servings