Sometimes the simplest cooking tricks create the most mouthwatering dishes—and this one is no exception. By lightly coating beef with flour before slow cooking, you unlock a richer, thicker, and more flavorful meal without any complicated steps.
Why Flour First?
Coating beef with flour before slow cooking isn’t just an old-fashioned tip—it’s culinary science at work.
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Thickens the Sauce: As the beef cooks low and slow, the flour blends with the cooking juices, creating a naturally thick, velvety gravy.
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Locks in Juices: The light coating helps sear and seal the meat’s surface when browned (optional), keeping it tender inside.
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Enhances Flavor: Flour helps seasoning stick to the beef, infusing every bite with flavor.
What You’ll Need
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2 lbs beef chunks (stew meat or chuck roast cut into cubes)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons oil (optional, for browning)
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup diced onions
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2 cups chopped carrots and potatoes
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 bay leaf