Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients
- In a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, garlic, herbs, beef, beer, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, and one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir the ingredients together to ensure they are well-mixed, and feel free to use your hands for better distribution.
- Cook the Stew
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 10 to 12 hours. Stir the stew once if possible during the cooking process to promote even cooking of the beef and vegetables. If stirring is not feasible, the dish will still turn out fine.
- Finish and Serve
- Once the cooking time has passed, remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in the remaining balsamic vinegar and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the stew in shallow bowls, ensuring that each serving includes both the meat and vegetables, with plenty of sauce to complement the dish
Notes
For enhanced flavor, take the extra step of browning the meat before placing it in the slow cooker. Season the beef with salt, and brown it in batches over high heat using vegetable oil. Once browned, transfer the meat to the slow cooker and deglaze the pan with a bit of water or broth, scraping up the browned bits. Add these flavorful remnants to the slow cooker for an extra boost in taste.