This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting dish that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew is a delightful mix of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that suits family dinners, gatherings with friends, or cozy nights in.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Rich Flavor: The combination of red wine and beef broth creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
Hearty Meal: Packed with protein and nutrients, this stew is filling and satisfying.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference in achieving delicious results.

Limited Time Deal

Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!

Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle

Customer Reviews ★★★★★

Finally, a knife that stays sharp and feels comfortable in my hand

Professional quality without the premium price tag

Makes meal prep faster and more enjoyable

Don't Miss Out - Order Now

Only a few items left in stock - order soon

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to prepare meals while you go about your day.
Large skillet: Ideal for browning meat, which enhances the flavor before it goes into 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. Discard any large pieces of fat; small marbled bits are fine.
Sprinkle beef with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss to coat evenly.
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; avoid overcrowding the pan.
Brown each side for about 45 seconds. Add more oil if needed.
Transfer browned meat to 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; cook for about five minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic; cook for one minute more.
Splash in some wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits for added flavor.
Transfer onion-garlic mixture along with remaining wine to slow cooker.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

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

Step 5: Cook

Cook on low for about seven and a half to eight hours or high for three and a half to four hours until vegetables are softened and potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

In the last fifteen minutes of cooking, add frozen peas.
Remove bay leaves and rosemary stem before serving.

Step 7: Optional Thickeners

To thicken your stew if desired, combine cold water with cornstarch in a bowl.
Slowly add this mixture to the stew while stirring until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Finish with Butter

Turn off heat and swirl in two tablespoons of cold butter for a smooth finish.
Optional: Add three drops of Gravy Master if you like a richer color.

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef Stew, perfect as a main course on its own or served alongside crusty bread!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serving your Slow Cooker Beef Stew can enhance the meal experience and impress your guests. Here are some ideas for presenting and enjoying this hearty dish.

In a Bowl

Serve in deep bowls for a cozy, comforting meal that showcases the rich broth and tender meat.

With Fresh Herbs

Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh rosemary to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Accompanied by Bread

Pair with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into the stew, enhancing the overall flavor.

Over Rice

Spoon over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious juices, making it even more filling.

With a Side Salad

Offer a light salad on the side to balance the richness of the stew; mixed greens with vinaigrette works well.

As Leftovers

Enjoy as leftovers! The flavors deepen over time, creating an even more satisfying meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Beef Stew can make it truly special. Follow these tips for an exceptional result.

Choose Quality Meat: Use well-marbled beef for tenderness and flavor; chuck roast is a great option.
Brown the Meat: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor through caramelization.
Add Acid: Include wine or vinegar to balance richness and brighten flavors in the stew.
Layer Ingredients: Add root vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker and meat on top to prevent sogginess.
Season Well: Adjust seasoning throughout cooking; taste before serving to ensure it’s just right.
Let It Rest: Allow the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking, which helps meld flavors together perfectly.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Beef Stew can elevate your meal. Consider these tasty options:

Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for sopping up stew juices.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the hearty stew beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix adds texture and nutrients alongside your dish.
Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the stew’s warmth.
Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread balances savory flavors nicely.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs broth while adding subtle spices.
Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with almonds bring elegance and crunch.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad offers a healthy twist with fresh veggies and herbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Beef Stew can be delightful, but some common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some tips to ensure your stew turns out perfectly.

Ignoring Meat Quality: Using low-quality meat can lead to tough and chewy stew. Always choose good cuts, like chuck roast, for tender results.
Overcrowding the Pan: When browning the meat, overcrowding can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches to achieve a nice sear.
Skipping the Browning Step: Neglecting to brown the meat beforehand deprives your stew of rich flavors. Take the time to brown for a more robust taste.
Not Measuring Ingredients Carefully: Improper measurements can throw off the balance of flavors. Always measure ingredients accurately for best results.
Cooking on High Too Soon: Cooking on high heat too early can result in uneven cooking. Start on low and switch to high if time is short, but give it time to develop flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
Stovetop: Place in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Beef Stew that might help you get started.

What type of beef is best for Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and ability to become tender during long cooking times.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like mushrooms or parsnips for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I thicken my stew?

You can thicken it by mixing cornstarch with cold water and adding it during the last stages of cooking.

Can I use other types of wine?

Yes, you can substitute cabernet sauvignon with other red wines like merlot for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. This recipe captures warmth and satisfaction, making it perfect for any chilly day. Give it a try and experience its cozy flavors!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Nora
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe combines tender chunks of beef with an array of vibrant vegetables, all simmered in a rich broth infused with red wine. It’s not just about nourishment; it’s an experience that brings families together, whether during a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you can enjoy a meal bursting with flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for leftovers, this hearty stew is bound to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ pounds stew meat (chuck roast recommended)
1 cup cabernet sauvignon (or merlot)
4 cups beef broth
5 medium carrots (cut into 1-inch chunks)
1 lb baby Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered)
2 cups yellow onions (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Frozen peas (for added color and sweetness)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes and season with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss with flour.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the meat in batches; transfer to the slow cooker.
Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet until softened, deglaze with wine, then add to the slow cooker.
Add remaining ingredients except peas to the slow cooker and stir.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3.5-4 hours until everything is tender.
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add frozen peas before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: Low for 7 hours or High for 4 hours
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American