Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a warm and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors, it’s ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The slow cooker makes preparation easy, allowing you to enjoy the delicious aroma while it cooks. This stew combines classic ingredients with a touch of red wine, elevating the taste to something truly special.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Step 1: Prepare the Meat
• Step 2: Brown the Meat
• Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
• Step 5: Cook Your Stew
• Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving
• Optional Steps:
• How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• With Fresh Herbs
• Over Rice
• With Bread
• In a Bread Bowl
• Topped with Cheese
• How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the best cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
• Can I add other vegetables to my Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
• How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
• Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Stew ahead of time?
• Is Slow Cooker Beef Stew gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of red wine, beef broth, and spices creates a deep and satisfying taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Comfort Food: This stew is the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily adapt with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking this Slow Cooker Beef Stew even easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows for low-and-slow cooking, making meat tender while blending flavors beautifully.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning the meat; this step adds depth of flavor to your stew.
• Cutting board & knife: Essential for quickly and safely preparing your ingredients.

Ingredients

This traditional Beef Stew is loaded with tender bites of juicy beef, golden potatoes, carrots, peas, red wine, onions, garlic, and a hearty beef broth. It’s the BEST Slow Cooker recipe for Fall and Winter.

• 2 ½ pounds stew meat (see notes)
• ½ teaspoon EACH: black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons cold butter (divided)
• 2 cups yellow onions (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup cabernet sauvignon (or merlot. See notes.)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 5 medium carrots (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 1 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup Cold Water + 3 tablespoons Corn Starch (Optional)
• 2-3 drops Gravy Master (Optional– Adds a richer, darker color.)

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. Cut meat into 1-inch cubes and discard any large pieces of fat. Fat marbleized into the meat is fine!
2. Sprinkle beef with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle flour over the meat and toss again.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the meat in batches; don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown on each side for about 45 seconds.
3. Add more oil if needed during browning. Transfer browned meat to slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

1. Reduce heat to medium; melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet.
2. Add diced onions; cook for about five minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic; cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in a splash of wine to loosen brown bits from the skillet; transfer this mixture to the slow cooker along with remaining wine.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Add all remaining ingredients except peas, cornstarch mixture, and two tablespoons of cold butter to slow cooker.

Step 5: Cook Your Stew

1. Cook on low for about 7½ to 8 hours or high for approximately three-and-a-half to four hours until vegetables are softened and potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving

1. Add peas during the last fifteen minutes of cooking time.
2. Remove bay leaves and rosemary stem before serving.

Optional Steps:

To thicken:
1. Mix together cold water with cornstarch; slowly add it to stew while stirring until incorporated.
2. Turn off heat; swirl in two tablespoons of cold butter for a smooth finish.
Optionally add Gravy Master for richer color.

Enjoy your hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty dish that warms the soul, especially on chilly days. You can serve it in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the stew for a pop of color and freshness.
• Thyme Leaves: A few fresh thyme leaves can add an aromatic touch.

Over Rice

• White Rice: Serve the stew over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the rich broth.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice offers a nutty flavor that complements the stew.

With Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of crusty baguette on the side for dipping into the savory broth.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor and is perfect for sopping up every last drop.

In a Bread Bowl

• Sourdough Bread Bowl: Hollow out a sourdough loaf and fill it with the beef stew for a fun and edible serving option.

Topped with Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese can add creaminess and richness.
• Parmesan Flakes: For a gourmet touch, add freshly grated Parmesan just before serving.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

To make your Slow Cooker Beef Stew even more delicious, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Quality Meat: Select well-marbled stew meat for tenderness and flavor throughout the cooking process.
• Brown the Meat First: Browning enhances flavor by creating a savory crust that adds depth to your stew.
• Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Cooking on low for longer allows flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender vegetables.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and adjust salt or herbs as needed for optimal flavor balance.
• Add Peas Last Minute: By adding peas during the last 15 minutes, they retain their bright color and crisp texture.
• Finish with Butter: Swirling in cold butter at the end gives your stew a silky finish that elevates it further.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Pairing your Slow Cooker Beef Stew with complementary sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs perfectly with beef stew.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall meal experience.
3. Simple Salad: A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast and is perfect for mopping up gravy.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides nutrients and balances out the heaviness of the stew.
6. Buttered Noodles: Soft noodles tossed in butter make for a simple yet satisfying side dish that complements the flavors of beef stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Beef Stew can be delightful, but certain mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the meat first can lead to a less flavorful stew. Always sear the beef in a skillet to develop that rich taste.
• Overloading the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients at once can prevent even cooking. Stick to recommended amounts for best results.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your stew bland. Be sure to season each layer of your recipe for a well-rounded flavor.
• Using low-quality beef: Not all beef is created equal. Choose good quality stew meat for tenderness and flavor.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high heat for too long can overcook the meat and veggies. Follow timing guidelines closely for perfect results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the stew to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date and contents.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl, covered, on high in 1-2 minute increments, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender after long cooking times. It’s flavorful and holds up well in stews.

Can I add other vegetables to my Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like mushrooms, green beans, or parsnips.

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

To thicken, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day before serving and simply reheat it when ready.

Is Slow Cooker Beef Stew gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener when preparing your stew.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is not only comforting and hearty but also versatile enough to accommodate personal tastes. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices! We encourage you to try this recipe—it’s perfect for cozy evenings at home.