Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Beef Stew, a comforting classic that transforms affordable ingredients into a rich, mouthwatering meal you’ll crave all season long. Every bite features meltingly tender chunks of beef, a medley of hearty vegetables, and that beautifully savory broth, all thickened to glossy perfection. Whether you’re cozying up for a weeknight dinner or inviting friends over for a relaxed gathering, this stew brings warmth and satisfaction to any table, and it’s almost absurd how easy it is to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how effortlessly each ingredient pulls its weight in this stew! From the beef to the veggies, every element brings its own layer of flavor and rustic charm, creating that signature look and flavor you expect from a top-notch Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
- Stew Meat: Go for well-marbled beef—this gives you deep flavor and those dreamy, fall-apart bites.
- Black Pepper, Garlic Salt, Celery Salt: These spices kick off the seasoning, infusing the beef with irresistible savory notes.
- Flour: A quick toss in flour helps sear the beef beautifully and thickens the stew as it cooks.
- Olive Oil: Use it for browning the beef; it adds a touch of richness and helps develop a flavorful crust.
- Butter: Divided in the recipe for sautéing onions and finishing the stew with a silky gloss.
- Yellow Onions: Their sweetness mellows and enriches the base of your stew.
- Garlic: Four cloves make sure the flavor is robust, not shy.
- Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot): A splash adds depth and dimension (don’t worry, most of the alcohol cooks out!).
- Beef Broth: The essential liquid gold that ties everything together.
- Beef Bouillon Cubes: Just a touch ensures maximum savory goodness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds background tang and umami that sets this stew apart.
- Tomato Paste: For a subtle, sweet richness and to lend a deep color to the stew.
- Carrots: Cut into hearty chunks for sweetness and classic stew appeal.
- Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: These hold up beautifully and soak up all that stew flavor.
- Bay Leaves & Rosemary: Essential aromatics for that cozy, herby backbone.
- Frozen Peas: Stirred in at the end for color and a pop of freshness.
- Cornstarch & Cold Water (Optional): Mix for extra thickening power if you like it spoon-standing thick!
- Gravy Master (Optional): Seriously ups the color and gives you a gorgeous, glossy finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Step 1: Prep Your Beef
Start by cutting the stew meat into roughly 1-inch cubes, trimming away any large pieces of fat (but keep that delicious marbling!). Season the beef generously with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt, then toss it with flour until each piece is lightly coated. This quick trick means every chunk browns beautifully and helps thicken the stew later.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat up about 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Arrange the meat in batches (don’t crowd the pan!), browning on all sides for about 45 seconds each. Don’t rush—the goal is a deep, flavorful crust. Transfer nicely browned pieces to your slow cooker, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
Step 3: Build an Aromatic Base
Drop the heat on your skillet to medium and melt a tablespoon of butter. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook for 5 minutes until golden and aromatic. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute, just until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Pour in a little splash of red wine and gently scrape the bottom of the pan—this deglazing step lifts all those tasty brown bits into your gravy. This onion-garlic mixture slides right into the slow cooker with the beef.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Liquids
To the slow cooker, add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, bay leaves, and rosemary (just the stem for now). Leave out the peas, cornstarch mixture, and two tablespoons of cold butter for later—they come in at the end!
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook the stew on low for 7 and a half to 8 hours, or crank it up to high for about 3 and a half to 4 hours—either way, you’ll know it’s done when the veggies are tender and the beef is incredibly soft.
Step 6: Finish with Peas and Optional Thickening
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in those sweet frozen peas; they’ll stay bright green and add freshness. Fish out the bay leaves and rosemary stem. If you like a thicker gravy, stir together cold water and cornstarch, then slowly swirl it into your stew. It thickens as it sits—so go slowly!
Step 7: The Final Velvet Touch
Turn off the heat, then swirl in those last two tablespoons of cold butter to finish. This French trick (“Monter au Beurre”) gives your Slow Cooker Beef Stew a luscious, restaurant-worthy sheen. If you’re using Gravy Master, add a couple of drops now for a richly colored, glossy finish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or rosemary is the classic finishing touch for Slow Cooker Beef Stew. For extra flair, add a dusting of cracked pepper or even a few crispy fried onions on top. The splash of green brings color and a hint of herbal freshness to every bowl.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong pairing beef stew with slices of warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, soft dinner rolls, or even a simple buttered rice work beautifully if you’re looking to go carb-happy. Want something lighter? Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle Slow Cooker Beef Stew into rustic bread bowls for a cozy and impressive touch at dinner parties. For a fun twist, top with a flaky cottage pie crust or serve over creamy polenta for an ultra-comforting variation. Small ramekins or mini Dutch ovens also turn this classic stew into an eye-catching starter at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stew to airtight containers as soon as it’s cooled. It will keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners. Just be sure to let the stew come to room temperature before sealing—this keeps moisture where you want it!
Freezing
Slow Cooker Beef Stew freezes like a dream! Portion cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a cozy meal in minutes, no fuss required.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add your leftovers to a saucepan over medium-low heat or warm in the microwave, pausing to stir so everything heats through evenly. If the stew is a little thick, splash in a bit of water or extra broth. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so this stew is just as amazing (if not more so) the next day!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While stew meat is affordable and convenient, you can use chuck roast, brisket, or even short ribs cut into chunks. Select cuts with good marbling for the most flavor and tenderness in your Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
Is the wine necessary or can I skip it?
The wine adds a touch of acidity and extra depth, but you can leave it out if you prefer. Just swap in extra beef broth—your Slow Cooker Beef Stew will still turn out deliciously rich and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Parsnips, celery, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes make fantastic additions. Just be mindful of cooking times—denser vegetables work best in the slow cooker alongside your beef.
How can I make my stew thicker?
If you love a thick, hearty sauce, stir in the optional cornstarch mixture at the end and let it simmer for several minutes. Alternatively, mash a few potatoes or carrots right in the stew for a more rustic, naturally thick result.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour and double-check your broth, bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce for gluten-containing ingredients. With those small swaps, your Slow Cooker Beef Stew is gluten-free and just as tasty!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about filling your kitchen with the aroma of Slow Cooker Beef Stew—especially when you know dinner is going to be spoon-wavingly good and soul-satisfying. Cozy, classic, and utterly irresistible, this is one recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Grab your slow cooker and get simmering!
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This slow cooker beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cozy nights. Tender chunks of beef, savory broth, and a medley of vegetables come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Stew Meat:
2 ½ pounds stew meat
Seasoning:
½ teaspoon black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt
Coating:
1/4 cup flour
Oil and Butter:
3-6 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons cold butter (divided)
Aromatics:
2 cups yellow onions (diced), 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquid and Flavorings:
1 cup cabernet sauvignon (or merlot), 4 cups beef broth, 2 beef bouillon cubes, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Vegetables:
5 medium carrots (1-inch chunks), 1 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered), 1 cup frozen peas
Herbs:
2 bay leaves, 1 sprig rosemary
Thickening:
1/4 cup Cold Water + 3 tablespoons Corn Starch, 2-3 drops Gravy Master (optional)
Instructions
- Cut and Season Meat: Cut meat into 1-inch cubes, season with black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, and coat with flour.
- Brown Meat: Brown meat in batches in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic, deglaze with wine, and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Combine remaining ingredients (except peas, corn starch mixture, and butter) in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cook on low for 7 ½ to 8 hours or high for 3 ½ to 4 hours.
- Add Peas: Add peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Thicken: Optionally thicken stew with corn starch mixture.
- Finish: Swirl in butter for a velvety finish, and optionally add Gravy Master for color.
Notes
- For the stew meat, choose a cut suitable for slow cooking like chuck or round.
- Merlot can be substituted for cabernet sauvignon.
- Adjust seasoning and thickness to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: beef stew, slow cooker, comfort food, one-pot meal
