What is it like to eat beef stew? My grandma used to make it every fall, the aroma filling her tiny kitchen and making me cry. I remember her cooking it in the fall. Before I saw the pot, my mouth watered. What is a Slow Cooker beef stew recipe? What is the magic of slow cooker? What is the beef stew equivalent of a lazy Sunday morning? Is it ridiculously Is it easier than making a pot roast?

What is slow cooker beef stew?

Slow Cooker beef stew is essentially a hearty, one-pot meal where chunks of beef are slowly cooked. With vegetables in a flavorful broth until tender. What is a slow cooker stew? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food – rich, savory, and perfect for chilly nights. What is slow cooking? Is there a symphony in your mouth?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? What are some of the best ways to make beef melt-in-your-mouth tender? Is it a flavor explosion in every bite? What I love about this Slow Cooker beef stew recipe is just how easy it is to make. What can I do if I put everything in the slow cooker in one go? What are some of the best home cooked meals? No babysitting the stove, no complicated steps, just pure, unadulterated comfort food. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. You can use cheaper cuts of beef, and the vegetables are relatively inexpensive. What is a good budget meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? What’s better than chicken noodle soup? What is the best thing about a car? What are some good ways to serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles? Is it good for meal prep?

How do I make slow cooker beef stew?

Quick Overview

How do I make Slow Cooker beef stew? What is the best way to brown beef in a slow cooker? Is it safe to cook low and slow until tender? I love that you can just set it and forget it, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. What makes this stew so special is the slow cooking method. It allows the flavors to develop. What are some of the best ways to enjoy a delicious meal?

Ingredients

For the Beef:
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. I always trim off any excess fat, but don’t go overboard – some fat is good for flavor. You can also use stew meat, but I find that beef chuck gives you the most tender results. When you are selecting the cut, make sure it is a good quality.

For the Vegetables:
1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion will do!
2 carrots, peeled and chopped. Don’t be afraid to use baby carrot if you’re in a pinch!
2 celery stalks, chopped. What gives this stew its classic flavor?
1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed. I like Yukon gold because they hold their shape well during slow cooking, but russet potatoes will not. Is it possible to work if that is all you have?
1 cup frozen peas. I add these towards the end of cooking, so they don’t get mushy.

For the Broth:
I always use low-sodium beef broth so I can control the salt level.
1 cup dry red wine. This adds depth of flavor that you just can’t get with broth alone. If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute it with beef broth. Just add a splash of water. What is balsamic vinegar for?
2 tablespoons tomato paste. This helps to thicken the broth and add a rich, savory flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 teaspoon dried thyme.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
1 bay leaf. Don’t forget to remove this before serving!
Salt and pepper to taste.

What is the step-

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Set aside. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful crust on the beef, which will then infuse the meat. What is the best stew to cook? Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of browning.

Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker

How do you cook beef in a Slow Cooker? Now that the browning is out of the way, the slow cooker can take over.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Aromatics

Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme and dried black pepper. How do I add rosemary, bay leaf, red wine, and beef broth to the Slow Cooker? How do you stir everything together to combine. Make sure the vegetables are all evenly coated with the broth.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. I always prefer the low setting for maximum flavor, but if you’re short on time, the high setting is better. Is there a way to do this? What’s the best way to keep an eye on the beef to make sure it doesn’t dry out?

Step 5: Add Peas and Thicken (Optional)

When the frozen peas are cooked, stir in the remaining ingredients. If you want a thicker stew, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of sugar. How do you use cold water to create a slurry? Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This is totally optional, but I find that it gives the stew a nice, velvety texture.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Remove the bay leaf and season the stew with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. I like to serve mine over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, but it’s also delicious on its own. What are some good crusty bread recipes for dipping?

What should I serve it with?

What is a slow cooker beef stew? What are some of my favorite pairings?

For a Classic Combination:mashed potatoes or egg noodles are always a winner. What are some of the best ways to soak up the gravy?

For a Lighter Option:What is a side salad with vinaigrette dressing?

What is a hearty meal? Serve with a side of crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the gravy.

For a Special Occasion:Pair with a glass of red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors.

My family loves it when I serve this with a side of Cheesy Garlic bread – it’s the perfect side dish! What is the perfect accompaniment to a savory stew? What is a family tradition to make stew on Christmas Eve with homemade rolls?

How do I make a slow cooker beef stew?

Browning Beef: What is the Don’t skip this step! Browning the beef is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful crust that will infuse the stew with amazing flavor.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: I prefer beef chuck because it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking, but stew meat will also work. Just make sure to trim off any excess fat.

Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: If your slow cooker is too full, the stew may not cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.

Add the Peas at the End: This will prevent them from getting mushy.

Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to season the stew generously with salt and pepper. The flavors will mellow out during cooking, so you may need to add more seasoning at the end.

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with more beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar. You can also use different vegetables, like parsnips or turnips, depending on your preference. I’ve even tried adding a bit of beer for a different flavor profile, and it turned out amazing! This is a versatile dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This slow cooker beef stew is even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Here are my tips for storing and reheating:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the cooled stew in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was frozen.

Reheating: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the stew is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze, you don’t need to worry about this step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free beef broth and thicken the stew with cornstarch instead of flour.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use stew meat, but I find that beef chuck gives you the most tender results.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Follow the instructions for browning the beef, then add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 35-40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

What if I don’t have red wine?

You can substitute it with more beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker beef stew is more than just a recipe – it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, a taste of home, and a reminder of simpler times. What I love most about this dish is its ability to bring people together around the table. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to leave a comment below with your own variations and tips. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and share it with your friends!