This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors, this dish warms you from the inside out. It’s an easy recipe to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions, this stew is sure to impress everyone at your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Comfort: Each bite of this stew bursts with rich flavors from the red wine and herbs.
Easy Preparation: Simply combine ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work while you relax.
Hearty & Satisfying: This dish is loaded with protein and vegetables, making it a complete meal.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or spices.
Perfect for Cold Days: Enjoy this stew during the fall and winter months for a warming treat.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. These items will ensure that your Slow Cooker Beef Stew turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Slow Cooker: Allows flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
Large Skillet: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.

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

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

Step 2: Brown the Meat

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

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of cold butter in the same skillet.
Add diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add a splash of wine to loosen brown bits from the skillet; this adds great flavor.
Transfer onion-garlic mixture along with remaining wine to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients except for peas, corn starch mixture, and remaining cold butter to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Cook

Cover and cook on low for about 7½ to 8 hours or high for approximately 3½ to 4 hours until vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

Add frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Remove bay leaves and rosemary stem before serving.

Optional Step: Thicken

To thicken stew, mix together cold water with cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
Slowly add this mixture to the stew while stirring continuously; it will continue thickening upon standing.

Finishing Up

Turn off heat and swirl in remaining cold butter for a velvety finish.
Optionally add Gravy Master for an even darker color before serving warm!

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Stew!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting dish that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Here are some delightful ways to serve this hearty stew, enhancing its flavor and presentation.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette: A freshly baked baguette is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Garlic Bread: This adds a savory twist, complementing the flavors of the stew beautifully.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Steamed White Rice: Light and fluffy rice absorbs the delicious juices, making each bite flavorful.
Quinoa: A nutty alternative that adds protein while pairing well with the stew’s heartiness.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness.
Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs give an aromatic touch that enhances the overall dish.

With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess contrasts nicely with the beef stew’s texture, creating a comforting meal.

Served in Bread Bowls

Bread Bowls: For a fun presentation, serve your stew in hollowed-out bread bowls for a delightful dinner.

Accompanied by Salad

Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the beef stew, refreshing your palate.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

To achieve an exceptional Slow Cooker Beef Stew, follow these expert tips that will elevate your cooking game.

Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled beef for tenderness. Chuck roast is ideal as it becomes juicy during slow cooking.
Sear for Flavor: Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker develops deep flavors that enhance the final dish.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs contribute vibrant flavors compared to dried counterparts.
Adjust Liquids Wisely: Depending on your preference for thickness, adjust beef broth or add cornstarch towards the end if desired.
Layer Ingredients Properly: Place heartier vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the pot since they take longer to cook.
Let It Rest: Allowing your stew to sit for about 30 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Beef Stew can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic create a perfect match with rich stew.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts add a crunchy texture and earthy flavor that complements the dish well.
Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs nicely with savory stew, making it a classic comfort food combination.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing contrast to hearty beef stew while adding extra crunch.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances out the savory notes of the beef, providing a nutritional boost too.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings brightness and crunch, rounding out your meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Beef Stew, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a perfect stew every time.

Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the meat can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always brown the beef in batches for a rich taste.
Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Packing too much in can prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s space for steam to circulate.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality meat or broth can ruin your stew. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Not Seasoning Properly: Forgetting to season each layer results in bland stew. Season as you go for maximum flavor development.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking for too long or too short can affect texture. Follow recommended times closely for tender vegetables and beef.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stew in an airtight container.
It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it will keep well for 3-4 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring halfway through for even heating, usually about 2-3 minutes.
Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Slow Cooker Beef Stew, here are some common inquiries answered.

Can I use other meats for this stew?

Yes! While beef is traditional, you can try pork or chicken. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat used.

How do I know when my stew is done?

The beef should be very tender and easily break apart with a fork. Vegetables like potatoes and carrots should also be soft.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

This hearty dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs!

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. This hearty dish features tender beef simmered with an array of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss in the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax. This stew is versatile too—feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ pounds stew meat
4 cups beef broth
1 cup cabernet sauvignon (or merlot)
5 medium carrots
1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes
2 cups yellow onions
4 cloves garlic
Olive oil and butter

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Instructions

Cut beef into cubes, season with pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, and coat with flour.
Brown the meat in olive oil over medium-high heat; transfer to slow cooker.
Sauté onions and garlic in butter; add to slow cooker with wine.
Add remaining ingredients except peas; cover and cook on low for 7½ to 8 hours.
Stir in frozen peas during the last 15 minutes; serve warm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main
Method: Slow cooking
Cuisine: American