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Hearty Beef and Parsnip Stew

This beef stew is made using slow cooking techniques, combining tender beef chunks with root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and potatoes. The dish develops a rich, thick broth with a deep caramelized flavor, and the vegetables become softened yet retain some shape, producing a comforting, rustic appearance.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 3 large parsnips peeled and chopped into chunks
  • 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried or fresh
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
  3. Place chopped parsnips, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes into the slow cooker, arranging them around the beef.
  4. Pour beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring all are submerged. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft with a slightly caramelized appearance.
  6. Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The stew should be thickened and aromatic, with vegetables melting softly into the broth.
  7. Serve the hearty beef and parsnip stew hot, with crusty bread or over rice for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

For extra richness, add a splash of red wine or a dollop of tomato paste before cooking. To enhance the flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley before serving.