Hearty Slow Cooker Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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This Hearty Slow Cooker Casserole is your go-to for a comforting meal with minimal effort. Packed with rich flavors, it's perfect for cozy evenings or when you just want a no-fuss dinner.

Ingredients for Hearty Slow Cooker Casserole

Beef stew meat is the heart of this dish, providing a robust flavor and tender texture after slow cooking. Carrots add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, while potatoes bring comfort and heartiness. The onion and garlic provide a savory base, enhancing the overall flavor. Beef broth keeps everything moist and rich, while condensed cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and depth. A sprinkle of dried thyme, salt, and black pepper ties all the flavors together, with vegetable oil ensuring the meat browns nicely.

Tips & Tricks

  • Sear the beef well to lock in flavor and juices.
  • For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in at the end.
  • Use fresh thyme if you have it for a more vibrant flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping into the rich sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a simple salad can provide a fresh contrast to the hearty flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or pork shoulder, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken or make a homemade version.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, celery, or peas would be great additions.

Hearty Slow Cooker Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat. You'll want to brown it on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing that deep, beefy flavor.

As the beef is browning, get your slow cooker ready. Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add in the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic. These veggies will absorb all the wonderful flavors during the slow cooking process.

In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is nicely coated.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This is when the magic happens — the long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.

Before serving, give everything a good stir and taste to see if it needs any additional seasoning. Adjust as needed.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and hands-off: Let your slow cooker do the work.
  • Rich, savory flavor: A satisfying meal with depth.
  • Perfect for busy days: Prep in the morning, enjoy at dinner.
  • One-pot wonder: Less cleanup, more relaxation.

Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, cubed
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and brown on all sides.
2. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. In a bowl, mix beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
5. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

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