Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. It’s packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors that come together effortlessly. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish warms the soul and satisfies cravings. The best part? You can let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy cozy moments at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply toss ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of red wine and beef broth creates a robust taste that enhances every bite.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or herbs.
• Hearty Meal: Packed with protein and vegetables, this stew is filling and nutritious.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this stew impresses every time.

Tools and Preparation

When preparing your Slow Cooker Beef Stew, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Silicone spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: It allows for low-and-slow cooking, making meat tender and flavors meld beautifully.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat, which adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
• Silicone spatula: Great for scraping up tasty bits from the skillet without damaging it.

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.

Meat and Seasonings

• 2 ½ pounds stew meat (see notes)
• ½ teaspoon EACH: black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt
• 1/4 cup flour

Cooking Essentials

• 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons cold butter (divided)

Vegetables

• 2 cups yellow onions (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 5 medium carrots (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 1 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered)
• 1 cup frozen peas

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 cup cabernet sauvignon (or merlot. See notes.)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Herbs and Optional Enhancements

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 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, discarding any large pieces of fat. Marbleized fat is fine.
2. Sprinkle the beef with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss to coat.
3. Dust flour over the meat and toss again to ensure even coverage.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

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

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

1. Reduce heat to medium; melt one tablespoon of butter in the same skillet.
2. Add onions; cook for about five minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic; cook for one additional minute.
4. Pour in a splash of wine to deglaze—scrape up brown bits using a silicone spatula—and transfer everything to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

1. Add all remaining ingredients except peas, corn starch mixture, and two tablespoons of cold butter into the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook

1. Cover and 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 tender.

Step 6: Add Peas

1. During the last fifteen minutes of cooking, stir in frozen peas.

Step 7: Thicken Stew (Optional)

1. To thicken, combine cold water with cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
2. Slowly add this mixture to the stew while stirring gently.

Step 8: Finish with Butter

1. Turn off heat; swirl in two tablespoons of cold butter for a velvety finish.
2. Optionally add three drops of Gravy Master for enhanced color.

Enjoy your deliciously hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serving Slow Cooker Beef Stew is an opportunity to enhance its rich flavors and heartiness. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can soak up the delicious stew and add a comforting touch.

Add a Green Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing contrast nicely with the stew’s texture.
• Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the hearty meal.

Serve with Rice or Quinoa

• Steamed Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the flavors of the stew beautifully.
• Quinoa: This protein-packed grain adds a nutty flavor that complements the beef stew well.

Top it with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley over the stew brightens up the dish visually and in flavor.
• Thyme or Rosemary: Adding a few fresh leaves enhances the aromatic qualities of the stew.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Slow Cooker Beef Stew, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose Quality Meat: Using well-marbled beef will ensure tenderness and richness in your stew.
• Sear the Meat First: Browning the meat before slow cooking adds depth to the flavor through caramelization.
• Layer Ingredients Properly: Place denser vegetables like potatoes on the bottom to cook evenly while allowing lighter ingredients on top.
• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste your stew before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for optimal flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables provide better taste than dried alternatives, enhancing overall quality.
• Don’t Skip Browning: Taking time to brown onions and garlic adds a wonderful base flavor that elevates your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Complementing your Slow Cooker Beef Stew with side dishes can make for a satisfying meal. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort alongside the rich stew.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and additional nutrients to your plate.
3. Buttered Noodles: Simple buttered egg noodles offer a light alternative that pairs well with beef stew.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread contrasts nicely with savory flavors, making it a delightful addition.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and cuts through the richness of the stew.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dipping into your hearty bowl of stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Beef Stew, avoiding common pitfalls can make a big difference in the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not browning the meat: Skipping this step can lead to less flavor. Always brown the beef to enhance its taste before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Overloading the slow cooker: Filling it too full can prevent even cooking. Make sure to leave space for steam and allow proper heat circulation.
• Ignoring the cooking time: Cooking too long or too short can ruin the stew. Follow the recommended times for perfect results.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap ingredients can lead to subpar flavor. Invest in good quality beef and fresh vegetables for the best outcome.
• Adding peas too early: Putting them in at the beginning makes them mushy. Add peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a vibrant finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stew in an airtight container.
• It will last 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, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover stew and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium until simmering, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Beef Stew that might help you with your cooking experience.

How do I make Slow Cooker Beef Stew thicker?

To thicken your stew, combine cold water with cornstarch and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers.

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

Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness once cooked slowly over time.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Cooking on low takes about 7½ to 8 hours, while high setting cooks it in about 3½ to 4 hours.

Can I add other vegetables to my stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like parsnips or mushrooms based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is not only comforting but also highly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Perfect for cozy evenings, this recipe will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Give it a try, and enjoy a delightful meal!