There’s nothing quite like the aroma of tender meat simmering all day in your kitchen. This slow cooker beef stew not only warms the soul but is a favorite for busy families during chilly months. It’s comforting, hearty, and bursting with flavor!
Imagine succulent beef, rich gravy, and carrots and potatoes that melt in your mouth. This easy recipe is as straightforward as it getsjust dump everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s like your grandmother’s stew, but done without fuss, and uses pantry staples you already have on hand.
I first crafted this stew back in the winter of 2011, and it quickly became a family ritual. My daughter asks for it whenever the snow falls, calling it a “hug in a bowl.” I learned that browning the beef first gives it that deep flavor, elevating the whole dish. After years of blogging and taste-testing, I can say it never disappoints!
This slow cooker beef stew recipe is a comforting, hearty meal packed with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and peas simmered in a rich broth with red wine and savory seasonings. Perfect as an easy crockpot beef stew for chilly days, it’s a cozy beef vegetable stew everyone adores. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, this slow cooker beef stew is a great option for a dump and go beef stew or a winter crockpot beef stew that warms the soul.
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.
Method
Trim fat and cut the beef into 1-inch cubes, keeping any marbled fat within the meat.
Season the beef pieces evenly with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt, then dust with flour and toss well.
Warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook the beef in small batches to brown each side for about 45 seconds without overcrowding. Add oil as necessary and move browned meat to the slow cooker.
Lower the skillet heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter; sauté diced onions for 5 minutes, add the minced garlic and cook another minute.
Pour in a splash of wine and scrape up browned bits from the pan with a spatula to release flavor, then transfer the onion, garlic, and wine to the slow cooker.
Add the rest of the ingredients except the peas, cornstarch mixture, and 2 tablespoons cold butter into the slow cooker.
Set the cooker to low and let it cook for 7 ½ to 8 hours or choose high and cook for 3½ to 4 hours until veggies are tender and potatoes are easily pierced.
Stir in the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking, then remove the bay leaves and rosemary.
If thicker stew is desired, mix cold water with cornstarch and gradually blend into the stew, stirring well. It will thicken as it sits.
Turn off heat and swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter to give the stew a smooth, velvety texture. Optionally, add a few drops of Gravy Master for deeper color.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days refrigerated or freeze for up to 3 months. Best beef cuts are chuck roast, rump roast, or bottom rounds. For a wine substitute, use beef broth or red grape juice with red wine vinegar. For a twist, try substituting Guinness stout. Optional vegetables like celery, green beans, parsnips, or sweet potatoes can be added. This recipe appears in The Cozy Cookbook on page 47.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate comfort food; it warms you right up from the inside out!
It’s a straightforward dump and go beef stew that requires minimal effortjust toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic.
Filled with tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes, it’s a meal the entire family will love.
This meal is budget-friendly, making it a perfect choice for any home cook looking for a nourishing dish without breaking the bank.
Key Ingredients & Tools
For this cozy beef vegetable stew, you’ll need:
Beef: Choose 2 ½ pounds of stew meat, like chuck or bottom round for maximum flavor.
Veggies: Don’t forget your 5 medium carrots and 1 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes; they’ll melt in your mouth!
Beverage: A cup of cabernet sauvignon or merlot adds depth, but feel free to use beef broth or grape juice if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative.
Tools: You’ll need a large skillet for browning the meat and your trusty slow cooker to bring it all together.
How This All Works Step-by-Step
Cut the stew meat into 1-inch cubes, trimming any large fat pieces. Toss it with the spices and flour.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the meat in batches. This brings out the flavorstrust me!
Add diced onions and minced garlic, then deglaze with a splash of wine to lift those yummy browned bits from the skillet.
Transfer everything to the slow cooker, add in the rest of your ingredients (except peas and butter), and let it cook on low for 7 ½ to 8 hours or high for 3½ to 4 hours.
In the last 15 minutes, toss in the frozen peas and, if desired, thicken the stew with a cornstarch slurry.
Tips for Perfecting Your Stew
Pro Tip: Don’t rush the browning! This step is crucial for richer flavors in your beef stew.
If you’re looking for variety, consider adding other veggies like celery or parsnips!
For a quick dinner ready after work, this easy crockpot beef stew is a true lifesaver. Prep it in the morning and come home to a hot meal!
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This hearty slow cooker stew is perfect served with a warm slice of crusty bread or over a fluffy bed of rice. Here’s how to store it:
Storage Method
Duration
Refrigerator (airtight container)
Up to 3 days
Freezer (airtight container)
Up to 3 months
When you’re reheating leftovers, just gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. You’ll be surprised at how delicious the flavors meld together even more!
Nutritional Considerations
This cozy beef stew recipe is more than just a delightful taste of home; it’s filling and balanced. Each serving is rich with protein and provides a good dose of vitamins from the potatoes and carrots. If needed, adjust serving sizes based on personal dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
I hope this slow cooker beef stew becomes a staple in your household, just as it’s become in mine. It’s dependable, delicious, and sure to bring warm memories to your kitchenjust like a cozy hug in a bowl. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Expert Says
Slow cooker beef stew is a convenient and flavorful way to meld the rich flavors of meat and vegetables over time. The low, slow cooking process breaks down tough collagen fibers in the beef, resulting in tender meat and a wonderfully thick sauce that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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The Journey to My Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Perfecting my slow cooker beef stew was quite the adventure, taking several attempts to nail the flavors just right. I remember once adding too much salt after a long day, thinking I could fix it later. Now, after many lessons and some comforting family memories, this stew is warming, hearty, and reflects the love I’ve put into each pot.
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
You’ll love how this slow cooker beef stew warms your heart and home. With its tender meat and rich aroma, it’s the ultimate cozy meal. Plus, it effortlessly adds smiles at the dinner table!
Feel free to toss in mushrooms or swap out the potatoes for sweet ones for a little creativity. And remember, leftovers taste even better the next dayjust gently warm them up on the stove or microwave like a little kitchen magic.
Have you made a stew like this before? I’d love to see your take! Share your photos or memories of family recipes that bring you joy. Save this recipe and pass it on to someone who needs a cozy hug in a bowl, just like my daughter says!
