There’s nothing quite like the smell of beef stew simmering in the slow cooker. It’s one of those comforting, hearty meals that fill your home with the coziest, most mouthwatering aroma. The beauty of this recipe? You toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ve got a rich, flavorful stew that’s practically begging to be savored. Trust me, this one will quickly become your go-to for those chilly evenings when you want something filling and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Beef Stew (Slow Cooker)
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting friends, or just craving some comfort food for yourself, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a warm, homemade meal. It also makes a great dish to serve when you have guests over—everyone will be raving about the flavors!
Budget-Friendly: You’re getting a ton of flavor without breaking the bank. With simple, affordable ingredients like beef, potatoes, and carrots, this stew proves that great meals don’t have to be expensive.
Convenient: Just prep, toss everything in, and let the slow cooker do its thing. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe, giving you more time to relax while your meal cooks.
Comforting: Tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables come together to create a bowl of pure comfort. It’s a meal that’ll warm you from the inside out and keep you satisfied for hours.
Crowd-Pleasing: A dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef make it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this stew so comforting and delicious:
Beef Stew Meat: The star of the show. Use a good cut of beef like chuck, which becomes tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking.
Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the stew. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes or russets are perfect for this recipe. They become tender and creamy as they cook, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the broth.
Onions: They add that savory depth to the broth. When slow-cooked, onions mellow out and add a sweetness that balances everything out perfectly.
Garlic: A few cloves of garlic infuse the broth with aromatic goodness, making every bite even more flavorful.
Beef Broth: The base of the stew, bringing all the flavors together. Beef broth makes the stew rich and hearty, creating a comforting, savory broth that you’ll want to soak up with crusty bread.
Herbs & Spices: A simple combo of thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. These seasonings create a deliciously aromatic and savory broth.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting dish:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the carrots, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, and cut the beef stew meat into chunks if it isn’t already. The prep is easy and quick—just make sure everything’s chopped and ready to go.
Layer in the Slow Cooker: Add the beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker. Toss everything together and season with thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth, making sure the ingredients are mostly covered.
Set and Forget: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fall-apart tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you like your stew a bit thicker, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. This will help create a rich, hearty broth.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the stew is done, give it a final taste, adjusting seasonings if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls, and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal.
How to Serve Beef Stew (Slow Cooker)
This beef stew is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
Crusty Bread: Pair it with a loaf of warm, crusty bread to dip into that savory broth. Garlic bread or a baguette works beautifully.
Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette is a great balance to the richness of the stew.
Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or broccoli for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Mashed Potatoes: For a truly indulgent meal, serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Double the comfort!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this recipe even better:
Prep Ahead: Chop and measure your veggies the night before, so it’s easy to just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning.
Beef Substitutes: If you prefer, you can use a leaner cut of beef like sirloin, though it may be less tender after slow cooking.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you like a little heat in your stew.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing: Beef stew freezes wonderfully. Make a big batch, let it cool, and freeze for up to 3 months for an easy meal on a busy day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Absolutely! You can use pork or chicken, though the cooking time may be shorter for those. Just be sure to adjust accordingly.
Q2: Can I add more vegetables?
A2: Yes! Feel free to add parsnips, peas, or even celery to the mix. It’s a great way to use up whatever you have in your fridge.
Q3: Can I cook this on high for a quicker meal?
A3: Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but I recommend low and slow for the most tender beef.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
Q5: Can I freeze this stew?
A5: Yes, this stew freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q6: How do I thicken the stew?
A6: You can thicken it by mixing cornstarch with water and stirring it in 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes to naturally thicken the broth.
Q7: Can I make this stew without beef broth?
A7: Yes! You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth or even water, though it may change the flavor a bit. I recommend using a bit of extra seasoning to make up for it.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the doubled ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q9: Is this stew gluten-free?
A9: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check your broth and any additional ingredients for hidden gluten.
Q10: Can I add wine to the stew?
A10: Yes, a splash of red wine can add depth and richness to the flavor of the broth. Just make sure to let it simmer long enough for the alcohol to cook off.
Conclusion
Beef Stew (Slow Cooker) is the epitome of comfort food. The beef becomes so tender, and the broth is packed with savory goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want an easy, hearty meal for the family, this recipe has you covered. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let the stew work its magic!
Print
Beef Stew (Slow Cooker)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Comfort food at its finest with tender chunks of beef, buttery soft potatoes, and mixed vegetables. The rich broth, made with beef broth, red wine, and a blend of herbs and spices, will impress your family and friends. Perfect for a cozy, hearty meal!
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds chuck roast, trimmed and cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, or use 1/2 cup beef broth)
- 1 medium white onion, diced small
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 7 to 8 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (lite or reduced sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 2 or 3 bay leaves
- 2 large Russet potatoes, diced into chunky bite-sized pieces
- 2 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 to 3 drops Kitchen Bouquet (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef:
Cut beef into bite-sized pieces, trimming excess fat. Keep marbled fat for flavor. - Coat with Seasonings:
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss beef in the mixture until evenly coated. - Sear Beef:
Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches, ensuring all sides are browned. Transfer beef to the slow cooker. - Deglaze Skillet:
Add red wine (or beef broth) to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Add this to the slow cooker. - Sauté Onions:
Add diced onions and 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add to slow cooker. - Add Liquids & Seasonings:
To the slow cooker, add beef broth (7 cups), tomato paste, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, beef bouillon, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and stir to combine. - Add Vegetables:
Add diced potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables to the slow cooker and stir. - Make Slurry:
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Add to the slow cooker and whisk to combine. - Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4 hours). - Finishing Touches:
10 minutes before serving, remove fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Optionally, add Kitchen Bouquet for color and flavor. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let melt. - Taste & Serve:
Taste stew and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan and crusty bread or dinner rolls.
Notes
- Thicker Stew: For a thicker stew, leave it as is.
- Brothier Stew: If you prefer a brothier stew, add the additional 1 cup of broth after 4-6 hours of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg