Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew delivers every time. Fork-tender beef, hearty potatoes, and sweet carrots all snuggled up in a rich, savory broth—there’s just nothing like coming home to irresistible aromas and a meal that practically cooks itself!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of classic staples and just a few extra touches, you’ll be amazed at how these ingredients layer up into a Slow Cooker Beef Stew that’s intensely flavorful and utterly cozy. Every component plays a starring role, from the seasoned meat to the creamy potatoes and the hint of wine that deepens every bite.

• Beef Stew Meat: Choose well-marbled chuck roast, rump, or round for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after hours of slow braising.
• Black Pepper, Garlic Salt & Celery Salt: This trio seasons the beef and builds a foundation of flavor right from the start.
• Flour: Lightly coats the beef, encouraging a caramelized crust during browning and helping to thicken the stew later on.
• Olive Oil: Essential for browning the meat and giving a rich base flavor.
• Butter: Splitting the butter into stages, you’ll sauté veggies and finish the stew for an ultra-silky texture.
• Yellow Onions & Garlic: These aromatic basics sweeten and deepen as they simmer with the rest.
• Red Wine: Just a cup of cabernet or merlot adds incredible depth; you can substitute, but if you can use wine, you won’t regret it!
• Beef Broth & Bouillon Cubes: Layered for the richest, most savory base—don’t skip the cubes for that old-fashioned, extra-beefy punch.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A world of umami packed in one ingredient; you’ll taste the difference.
• Tomato Paste: For color and acidity, tomato paste brings the stew together with a hint of tanginess.
• Carrots & Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: Hearty, colorful, and so satisfying in every spoonful.
• Bay Leaves & Rosemary Sprig: These aromatics infuse the stew with earthy, comforting notes.
• Frozen Peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
• Cornstarch & Water (optional): If you love your stew extra thick, this easy slurry will do the trick.
• Gravy Master (optional): Just a drop or two transforms the color and depth, making it look as hearty as it tastes.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew your own! Whether you want to clean out the fridge, cater to picky eaters, or give it an international flair, it’s one of the easiest dinners to riff on—and still end up with a soul-warming meal.

• Wine Swap: Skip the wine and use extra beef broth or even Guinness stout for an Irish twist—both keep the stew deeply flavorful and comforting.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in celery, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans to boost the nutrition and color even more.
• Herb Your Way: Thyme, parsley, or even a little tarragon can substitute for rosemary if you want to change up the flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with turnips or cauliflower florets for a lighter, but still hearty, stew.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep & Season the Beef

Cut your stew meat into bite-size, 1-inch cubes—don’t be afraid to trim away any extra large bits of fat (a little marbling is good, but big pockets can make your stew greasy). Season the beef generously with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt, then toss it in flour for that perfect golden crust later on.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Working in batches is key—don’t crowd the pan! Sear each piece of beef for about 45 seconds per side, developing that irresistibly flavorful crust that will make your finished stew downright dreamy. Transfer browned meat to your slow cooker as you go.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the skillet heat to medium, melt one tablespoon of butter, and add your chopped onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and starting to color, then throw in the garlic for a final minute. Deglaze the pan with a generous splash of wine, scraping up all the tasty brown bits—this step adds so much flavor!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Tip those onions and garlic, along with all their pan juices, into the slow cooker with the beef. Add the rest of your ingredients—the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire, tomato paste, bay leaves, and rosemary. Give everything a gentle stir (except the peas and optional thickener), then cover and set to cook.

Step 5: Low & Slow—Then Finish

Cook on low for 7 ½ to 8 hours, or on high for 3½ to 4 hours. The magic? All those flavors have hours to mingle and deepen. Add the peas during the last 15 minutes, just so they stay tender and bright. Discard the rosemary stem and bay leaves. If you love a thick stew, create a cornstarch slurry and stir it in at the end, letting it thicken off the heat.

Step 6: Final Touch for Velvet Luxury

Turn off your slow cooker and swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter—the chef’s secret! This final, decadent touch gives your Slow Cooker Beef Stew a silky smooth finish. If you’re after that classic rich color, a couple drops of Gravy Master will make it extra inviting.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley is classic and brightens up every serving of Slow Cooker Beef Stew, but don’t be afraid to add a little grated parmesan or even a touch of cracked black pepper for extra flavor. A final drizzle of good olive oil can make each bowl look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This stew begs for something to mop up all that hearty broth—think hunks of crusty sourdough, warm dinner rolls, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter contrast, try it with a simple mixed salad or lightly roasted green beans on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew in rustic bowls with chunky bread on the side, ladle it into mini bread bowls at parties, or top with a dollop of horseradish cream for a gourmet twist. For gatherings, pop it in a cast iron Dutch oven to create that “wow” factor at the center of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef stew keeps like a dream! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors actually deepen the next day, making a second helping even better.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Beef Stew freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little headspace), and it’ll stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To gently reheat, warm your stew over medium-low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring every so often. If the stew is too thick after chilling, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an absolute crowd-pleaser to warm you from the inside out, you can’t go wrong with a bubbling pot of Slow Cooker Beef Stew. I hope this recipe makes its way to your table often—and that every spoonful brings a bit more comfort and joy to your day. Happy slow cooking!

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