As the cooler months roll in, nothing brings a warm embrace quite like a bowl of slow cooker beef stew. The rich aroma of tender beef simmering with hearty vegetables fills your home, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for chilly evenings. Each bite reveals a delightful mix of soft, savory chunks of beef and vegetables, all enveloped in a thick, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker beef stew not only takes minimal effort to prepare but also delivers a hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, and the meltingly tender beef just might become your new comfort food obsession. Whether you’re serving it to family or enjoying a solo dinner with a good book, this stew makes every moment feel special.

Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• 3 pound chuck roast cut into 1-inch pieces: Look for well-marbled meat to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil: Use this for browning the beef; it adds a lovely richness to the dish.
• 1 yellow onion cut into small chunks: The onion adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
• 4 large carrots cut into 1-inch chunks: Carrots not only deepen the flavor but also add a pop of color.
• 1 pound Yukon potatoes cut into 1/2-inch cubes: These creamy potatoes absorb the savory broth well and keep their shape.
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Choose low-sodium for better control over the seasoning.
• 1 cup dry red wine or sub with beef broth: The wine adds a wonderful depth; if you prefer not to use it, just add more broth.
• 1/4 cup tomato paste: This ingredient thickens the stew and adds a subtle sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A necessary seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb complements the beef wonderfully, adding an earthy aroma.
• 5 cloves garlic minced: Garlic brings a warm, savory essence to the stew.
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami that perfectly enhances the meaty flavors.
• 1/4 cup flour: This helps thicken the stew towards the end of cooking.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches to give the meat a nice sear. Transfer the beef from the pan to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, add the onions. Cook the onions for 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent, then stir and cook an additional 3 minutes. Once they’re done, transfer to the slow cooker.
4. Next, add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, salt, tomato paste, red wine, thyme, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Stir all the ingredients until well mixed.
5. Cook on low for 7 hours, allowing all the flavors to develop beautifully.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/2 cup of stew broth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
7. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 20 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your liking.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serve a generous scoop of the beef stew in a bowl, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Pair it with warm crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while it simmers.
• If you like a thicker stew, you can add a bit more flour mixed with broth towards the end of cooking.
• Feel free to throw in more veggies, like green beans or peas, during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat: Try using beef shank or stew meat if chuck roast isn’t available.
• Wine: If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, beef broth works great.
• Vegetables: Switch up the veggies based on what you have or prefer; parsnips or sweet potatoes are fantastic additions!
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can brighten the flavor if you prefer cooking with fresh ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use frozen beef for slow cooker stew?

Yes, you can use frozen beef, but the searing process may need to be skipped. Just add the frozen pieces directly to the slow cooker, and increase the cooking time by an hour or so.

How do I thicken beef stew without flour?

Try using cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Mix it with cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the stew.

Can I prepare slow cooker beef stew in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients the night before, store them in the slow cooker insert in the fridge, and then cook it in the morning.

What kind of red wine is best for beef stew?

A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or even a nice Pinot Noir works well. Choose one you enjoy drinking!

Can I cook beef stew on high heat instead of low?

Yes, while it’s best to cook it on low for a long time for flavor development, you can cook it on high for about 4 hours if you’re short on time. Just keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Warm yourself with a bowl of slow-cooked, hearty beef stew made with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors that meld beautifully during the cooking process.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces Look for well-marbled meat for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil For browning the beef.
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into small chunks Adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
• 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks Deepens the flavor and adds color.
• 1 pound Yukon potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Absorbs savory broth well.
• 1.5 cups beef broth Low-sodium recommended.
• 1 cup dry red wine Adds depth; can substitute with more broth.
• 1/4 cup tomato paste Thickens the stew and adds sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt Essential seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme Adds an earthy aroma.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced Brings warm, savory essence.
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Enhances meaty flavors.
• 1/4 cup flour Helps thicken the stew.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
• In the same skillet, add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then stir and cook an additional 3 minutes. Add to the slow cooker.
• Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, salt, tomato paste, red wine, thyme, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker, stirring until well mixed.

Cooking

• Cook on low for 7 hours.
• In a small bowl, whisk flour with 1/2 cup of stew broth, then stir into the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes or until thickened.

Serving

• Serve a generous scoop in a bowl, optional garnished with fresh parsley, and pair with crusty bread or rice.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf. For a thicker stew, mix additional flour with broth towards the end. Feel free to add more veggies like green beans or peas in the last 30 minutes.

Keyword beef stew, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, hearty meal, slow cooker