Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. The melt-in-your-mouth beef, combined with tender vegetables and a rich broth, makes this dish a family favorite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this stew will warm your heart and fill your belly. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and lets the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This stew is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a complete meal that satisfies hunger.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps and minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection.
• Rich Flavors: The blend of red wine, herbs, and spices creates a depth of flavor that elevates this traditional dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap or add vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew reheats well, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or meal prepping.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Beef Stew, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Large Skillet
• Silicone Spatula
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The star of the show! It allows for low-and-slow cooking, resulting in tender meat and blended flavors.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for browning the beef and sautéing the onions, which enhances the overall flavor of your stew.
• Silicone Spatula: Great for scraping up those flavorful brown bits from the skillet without damaging your cookware.

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

1. Cut meat into 1-inch cubes; discard any large pieces of fat. It’s okay to keep some fat marbled into the meat for flavor!
2. Sprinkle beef with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Sprinkle flour over the meat and toss again until well coated.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding; brown each side for about 45 seconds.
3. Transfer browned meat to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

1. Reduce heat to medium; melt 1 tablespoon of cold butter in the same skillet.
2. Add diced onions; cook for about five minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic; cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in a splash of wine; use a silicone spatula to scrape up brown bits from the skillet—this adds great flavor!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Transfer onion-garlic mixture along with remaining wine to the slow cooker.
2. Add all remaining ingredients except peas, corn starch mixture, and two tablespoons of cold butter.

Step 5: Cook

1. Cover and cook on low for about 7½ to 8 hours or high for about 3½ to 4 hours until veggies are soft and potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Add frozen peas during the last fifteen minutes of cooking.
2. Remove bay leaves and rosemary stem before serving.
3. To thicken if desired, mix cold water with cornstarch; slowly add while stirring until incorporated.

Step 7: Serve

1. Turn off heat; swirl in two tablespoons of cold butter for richness using the technique known as “Monter au Beurre.”
2. Optional: Add drops of Gravy Master for enhanced color before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Slow Cooker Beef Stew!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serving Slow Cooker Beef Stew is an opportunity to make your meal even more delightful. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, consider these serving suggestions for an unforgettable experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a flavorful twist and complements the stew’s heartiness.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic choice that offers crisp greens and tangy dressing.
• Mixed Greens: Light and refreshing, it balances the richness of the stew.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle adds color and freshness.
• Thyme Leaves: Enhances the flavor profile and aroma of the dish.

Include a Cheese Plate

• Sharp Cheddar: Its bold flavor pairs wonderfully with beef stew.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the stew’s heartiness.

Serve in Bowls

• Individual Bowls: Presenting the stew in individual servings adds a touch of elegance.
• Bread Bowls: For a fun and unique twist, serve in hollowed-out bread rolls.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

To achieve the best flavors in your Slow Cooker Beef Stew, follow these essential tips. They can elevate your dish from good to unforgettable!

• Use High-Quality Meat: Choosing tender cuts ensures better texture and flavor.
• Brown the Meat First: This step enhances depth and richness through caramelization.
• Don’t Skip the Wine: It adds acidity and complexity; opt for a good cabernet or merlot.
• Layer Ingredients Properly: Place root vegetables at the bottom for even cooking.
• Adjust Seasoning Last Minute: Taste before serving to fine-tune flavors with salt or herbs.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing it to sit helps meld all flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Complementing your Slow Cooker Beef Stew with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes absorb the savory broth perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add extra nutrients and textures.
3. Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy side that pairs well without overpowering flavors.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread balances the savory notes of the stew nicely.
5. Steamed Green Beans: Their crunch provides contrast to the tender beef and veggies.
6. Polenta: Creamy polenta makes for a delightful base under your stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty dish, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results. Here are some mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping Browning the Meat: Not browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can result in a less flavorful stew. Always sear the meat to enhance its taste.

• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Filling the slow cooker too full can prevent even cooking. Keep it within recommended capacity for optimal results.

• Neglecting to Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Chopping vegetables into uneven sizes leads to inconsistent cooking. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even tenderness.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect flavor and texture. Invest in good-quality beef and fresh vegetables for a satisfying stew.

• Not Adjusting Cooking Time: Each slow cooker cooks differently. Check your stew periodically and adjust cooking time as needed, especially if you want softer vegetables.

• Forgetting Seasonings: Skimping on seasonings will lead to bland stew. Taste as you go and add spices or herbs to elevate flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stew in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot, adding broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Slow Cooker Beef Stew.

What cut of meat is best for Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Chuck roast is ideal due to its rich marbling that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in tender beef.

Can I add other vegetables to my Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like parsnips, celery, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

You can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking or by blending some of the cooked stew and stirring it back in.

Is Slow Cooker Beef Stew healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein, fiber from vegetables, and can be made low-sodium by controlling added salt and bouillon cubes.

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw your beef before using it in a slow cooker for even cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can use frozen meat but may need additional cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is not just delicious; it’s a cozy meal perfect for chilly days. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients per your preferences or what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!