Warm up with a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Stew, a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty stew features tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.
Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this beef stew is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Let your slow cooker do the work, and come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Slow Cooker Beef Stew for its rich flavors and simplicity. The slow cooker allows the beef and vegetables to become incredibly tender while the broth develops a deep, savory taste.
This recipe requires minimal prep work and yields a nutritious, filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Brown the Beef: For extra depth of flavor, brown the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the root vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker and the beef on top to ensure even cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the stew.
- Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, deglaze the skillet with a bit of beef broth or red wine to capture all the flavorful bits and add them to the slow cooker.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Red Wine: Add a splash of red wine to the slow cooker for a richer flavor.
- Root Vegetables: Incorporate root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for added variety.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, basil, or bay leaves for unique flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious broth. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of red wine or a hearty beer complements the rich flavors of the stew beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a bit of broth or water if needed to keep it moist. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or stew meat. Just ensure it’s a cut suitable for slow cooking.
Do I have to brown the beef? Browning adds flavor but is not strictly necessary. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or green beans.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Ensure all your ingredients, particularly the beef broth, are gluten-free to keep the recipe gluten-free.
How can I make the broth thicker? Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Stew, featuring tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy meals, this hearty stew is easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Let your slow cooker do the work and come home to a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in the skillet until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Prepare Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker, surrounding the beef.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour a bit of the beef broth or red wine into the hot skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 377Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 370mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 40g
