There’s something magical about the aroma of a slow cooker beef stew wafting through the house on a chilly day. It transports me back to my childhood, when my mom would have this bubbling away as we returned from school. It’s all the rage on TikTok and Pinterest right now and for good reason; who doesn’t love a hearty meal that practically makes itself?
This recipe is a cozy hug in bowl form. Tender beef, flavorful gravy, and a medley of carrots and potatoes come together effortlessly. Think of it as your grandma’s classic stew, but quicker and less messy! Full details in the blog!
This slow cooker beef stew recipe is loaded with tender beef and hearty vegetables, perfect for a cozy winter meal. It offers easy crockpot magic that makes a budget-friendly and delicious dish everyone loves. Enjoy a comforting one pot slow cooker stew ideal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
2 ½ pounds stew meat see notes
½ teaspoon EACH: black pepper garlic salt celery salt
¼ 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
¼ cup Cold Water + 3 tablespoons Corn Starch Optional
2–3 drops Gravy Master *Optional*- Adds a richer darker color
Instructions
Trim the beef and cut into 1-inch cubes removing large fat pieces but keep marbled fat. Season the beef with black pepper garlic salt and celery salt then coat with flour.
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet and brown the beef in batches for about 45 seconds per side adding oil as needed then move browned beef to the slow cooker.
Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon butter then sauté onions for 5 minutes and add garlic cooking for 1 minute. Pour in some wine to deglaze the pan scraping browned bits then transfer this mixture along with the rest of the wine to the slow cooker.
Add the remaining ingredients except peas corn starch mixture and 2 tablespoons butter to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 7 ½ to 8 hours or on high for 3½ to 4 hours until vegetables are soft and potatoes tender.
Stir in peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking then remove bay leaves and rosemary stem.
For a thicker stew mix ¼ cup cold water with 3 tablespoons cornstarch and add slowly while stirring.
Turn off heat and swirl in 2 tablespoons cold butter for a velvety texture and optionally add 3 drops Gravy Master for deeper color.
Notes
Storage Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Best cuts of Beef for Stew Chuck roasts (the best option) Rump roasts Bottom rounds You can also season and sear a whole roast for about 8 minutes total then cut into cubes resulting in less moisture loss but also less surface area for seasoning and searing
Red Wine Substitute Use equal amounts of beef broth or red grape juice plus 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar to tenderize meat
For an Irish twist use 1 cup extra stout Guinness instead of wine
Stove Top Method After searing meat reduce ½ cup wine until halved then add seared beef and broth simmer gently 1-2 hours until potatoes are tender stir occasionally
Optional ingredients include celery green beans parsnips and sweet potatoes
This recipe appears in The Cozy Cookbook page 47
Nutritional figures are estimates per serving makes 6 servings
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours
Category:Main Course Soup
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Calories:507 kcal
Why It’s a Family Favorite
There’s a reason families gather around hearty meals like this slow cooker beef stew. It’s not just about the rich flavors; it’s about the memories created at the dinner table. This cozy dish fills your home with comforting aromas, instantly bringing warmth and nostalgia to chilly evenings. Plus, it’s practically a “dump and go” recipe, meaning you can spend more time sipping tea and less time stirring pots.
Many of us remember our mothers or grandmothers preparing something similar on rainy days. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity anyone can toss a few ingredients into a slow cooker and come back to a perfect meal. It’s also versatile, allowing you to tweak elements based on family preferences. Who wouldn’t want to gather around a hearty bowl filled with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes?
Key Ingredients & Tools
For the best slow cooker beef stew, you need just a handful of staple ingredients:
Stew Meat: Choose cuts like chuck, which are perfect for slow cooking!
Vegetables: Carrots and baby Yukon gold potatoes bring heartiness, while frozen peas add a pop of color.
Onions & Garlic: These aromatics build flavor, giving your stew that rich, comforting base.
Liquids: A splash of red wine and beef broth create a flavorful gravy that’ll make your taste buds sing!
Tool Tip: Your trusty slow cooker is key here. It can effortlessly turn tough cuts of meat into tender bites while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
Simple Steps to Make It
Now that we’ve covered why this dish is perfect for family dinners, let’s get into how to prepare it. Here’s a quick step-by-step overview:
Prepare the meat by cutting it into 1-inch cubes and seasoning it with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Adding flour gives it a nice crust when browned.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the meat in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures a lovely sear!
Transfer the browned meat into your slow cooker and sauté the onions and garlic in the same skillet. Add a splash of red wine to get the tasty bits off the bottom, and then add that to the slow cooker too.
Next, toss in all remaining ingredients, except the peas, and cook on low for 7 ½ to 8 hours, or high for 3 ½ to 4 hours.
About 15 minutes before serving, add the peas for a nice burst of flavor. For a thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch mixture at the end.
Quick Timing Chart:
Cooking Method
Time
Low
7 ½ to 8 hours
High
3 ½ to 4 hours
Easy Customizations
One of the best parts of this cozy beef vegetable stew is its flexibility. If you want to mix it up a bit, consider these easy tweaks:
Vegetable Variety: Add in celery, green beans, or I even sneak in parsnips for a slightly sweet twist!
Wine Substitutes: If you’re not using red wine, beef broth works beautifully. You can also try red grape juice with a splash of vinegar.
Thickening Options: Prefer a thicker stew? Use cornstarch as outlined, or even mashed potatoes for a creamy twist.
With these ideas, your slow cooker beef stew can become a revolving door of deliciousness, keeping your family guessing and excited for dinner!
How to Serve & Store
Serving this heartwarming dish is as easy as pouring it into bowls and topping with some fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a simple side salad to balance out the meal’s richness.
Storage Tip: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the stew cool before sealing it up to preserve that lovely flavor!
Your family is sure to enjoy this hearty slow cooker beef stew for dinner, and there’s always the possibility of cozy leftovers to look forward to! Enjoy every warm bowl, and remember it’s not about perfection, just the love you put into it!
Expert Says
When making a slow cooker beef stew, the key to tenderizing the meat lies in the long cooking time at low heat. This breaks down tough collagen, turning it into gelatin, which not only enhances flavor but also creates a rich, velvety sauce that beautifully coats the vegetables.
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The Long Road to My Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew
After countless attempts and one particularly memorable disaster involving too much salt, I’ve finally perfected my slow cooker beef stew. Each misstep brought a lesson, and the aroma of simmering beef and veggies is now a comforting reminder of those chaotic cooking days with my family.
FAQs ( Slow Cooker Beef Stew )
What cut of beef is best for stew?
Chuck roast is an excellent choice for this recipe. It’s well-marbled, which means it becomes tender and flavorful with slow cooking. Other good options are brisket or round, but chuck consistently delivers the best results.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can include vegetables like peas, green beans, or parsnips based on your preference. Just be mindful of adding them later in the cooking process to prevent them from getting mushy.
How long do I cook in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld and results in a more tender dish. Adjust based on your schedule and desired consistency.
Can I use frozen beef for the stew?
It’s best to thaw the beef before cooking for even cooking and better texture. If you’re short on time and need to use frozen beef, increase the cooking time by a couple of hours. Always ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
How can I thicken the stew?
To thicken, you can mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew for a natural thickening effect.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a bowl of slow cooker beef stew. With just a few hands-off hours in your trusty crockpot, your kitchen will smell enticingly warm, and you’ll be greeted with tender beef and juicy vegetables that comfort the soul. Trust me, you’ll love how it all comes together every bite is a cozy reminder of home.
Feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand or add a splash of your favorite red wine for depth. A little sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving elevates the dish beautifully! And remember, this hearty stew keeps well in the fridge for up to three days; just reheat gently on the stove for that homey feeling again.
I’d love to hear about your own family experiences with stew! Did you grow up with a special version? Share your photos or stories below! And don’t forget to save or share this recipe with your loved ones a warm, delicious meal is always best when enjoyed together.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
