Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe With Tender Meat And Veggies

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Prep time: 7 h 50 min
Cook time: 7 h 30 min
Total time: 7 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 ½ pounds stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes; – ½ teaspoon black pepper; – ½ teaspoon garlic salt; – ½ teaspoon celery salt; – ¼ cup flour for tossing the meat; – 3 to 6 tablespoons olive oil for searing; – 3 tablespoons cold butter; – 2 cups diced yellow onions; – 4 cloves minced garlic; – 1 cup red wine such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot; – 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 pound halved or quartered baby Yukon gold potatoes; – 2 bay leaves; – 1 sprig rosemary; – 1 cup frozen peas added in the last 15 minutes; – ¼ cup cold water for thickening; – 3 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening; – 2 tablespoons cold butter for finishing

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew

If you’re looking for an easy meal that brings warmth to your table, this slow cooker beef stew stands out as a favorite. With ingredients that blend together over hours, it delivers tender meat and hearty vegetables that make every bite comforting. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you enjoy your day.

This recipe shines with its rich flavors from fresh herbs and a savory broth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s flexible enough to fit various tastes and dietary needs, from adding extra veggies to swapping ingredients for healthier options. Whether you’re a busy parent or a food enthusiast, this stew helps create those memorable moments around the table that Isabella Hayes loves to share on her blog.

One key benefit is the minimal prep time, allowing you to focus on other things while the slow cooker does the rest. It’s packed with nutrients from veggies and lean beef, supporting a balanced meal without much effort. Dive into this recipe to see why it has become a go-to for home cooks everywhere.

Ease of preparation: This slow cooker beef stew recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time. Just combine the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy a delicious meal after a few hours without constant monitoring.
Health benefits: Packed with lean beef, fresh vegetables, and herbs, this recipe offers a nutritious balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It supports wellness by using wholesome ingredients without added preservatives or excessive fats.
Versatility: Adapt this slow cooker beef stew easily for different dietary needs by swapping ingredients or adjusting spices. Whether you prefer gluten-free, low-calorie, or plant-based options, this recipe accommodates those preferences seamlessly.
Distinctive flavor: The slow cooking process melds savory flavors with tender beef and rich broth, creating a comforting dish that stands out from typical stews. Its depth of taste will satisfy any palate.

To make it even better, searing the meat first enhances flavor and texture, though you can add raw beef directly if you’re short on time. For more ideas on similar dishes, check out this slow cooker pepper steak recipe on Isabella’s blog.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew
2. Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Beef Stew
5. Mastering Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Stew
8. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious slow cooker beef stew. This section outlines everything you need, based on a tried-and-true recipe that focuses on fresh, simple items. Each ingredient plays a role in building the stew’s hearty flavor and texture, ensuring a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Start with the main components for the beef, then move to vegetables and seasonings. Remember, precise measurements help avoid mistakes, so follow the list below closely. This stew serves up to six people and includes options for customization to fit your preferences.

Main Ingredients List

2 ½ pounds of stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon celery salt
¼ cup of flour (for tossing the meat)
3 to 6 tablespoons of olive oil (for searing)
3 tablespoons of cold butter
2 cups of diced yellow onions
4 cloves of minced garlic
1 cup of red wine (such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot)
4 cups of beef broth
2 beef bouillon cubes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons tomato paste
5 medium carrots cut into 1-inch chunks
1 pound of halved or quartered baby Yukon gold potatoes
2 bay leaves
1 sprig of rosemary
1 cup of frozen peas (added in the last 15 minutes)
¼ cup of cold water (for thickening)
3 tablespoons of cornstarch (for thickening)
2 tablespoons of cold butter (for finishing)

Optional additions might include celery, green beans, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to mix things up.

If you’re exploring more vegetable-based recipes, visit this creamy beef and bowtie pasta for inspiration on incorporating extras.

How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this slow cooker beef stew is straightforward and fun, even for beginners. Begin by prepping your ingredients to make the process smooth. Follow these steps to turn simple items into a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Meat

Start with 2 ½ pounds of stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes. Season it with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, and ½ teaspoon celery salt, then toss with ¼ cup of flour. This step helps the meat brown nicely and thicken the stew later.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat 3 to 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meat in batches for 45 seconds per side to lock in flavors. Once done, set it aside but keep the flavorful bits in the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of cold butter. Add 2 cups of diced yellow onions and cook for 5 minutes until they soften. Then, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute to release their aroma.

Step 4: Deglaze and Transfer

Pour in 1 cup of red wine, like cabernet sauvignon or merlot, to deglaze the pan, scraping up those tasty bits. Transfer everything to your slow cooker, along with 4 cups of beef broth, 2 beef bouillon cubes, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons tomato paste.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Cook

Mix in 5 medium carrots cut into 1-inch chunks, 1 pound of halved or quartered baby Yukon gold potatoes, 2 bay leaves, and 1 sprig of rosemary. Set your slow cooker to low for 7 ½ to 8 hours or high for 3 ½ to 4 hours. Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas during the last 15 minutes.

Step 6: Thicken and Finish

To thicken, mix ¼ cup of cold water with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and stir it into the pot. Remove the bay leaves and rosemary, then swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a smooth finish. Your stew is ready to serve!

For external resources, you can learn more about slow cooking basics at The Spruce Eats to refine your techniques.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Making this slow cooker beef stew your own is easy with a few tweaks. If you need to adjust for health reasons or preferences, start by swapping the protein. For instance, replace beef with diced chicken or lentils for a lighter twist.

Protein alternatives: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of beef for a vegetarian option, or go with jackfruit for a plant-based choice that soaks up flavors well.
Vegetable swaps: Try sweet potatoes or parsnips in place of carrots for added variety, keeping the 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
Sauce changes: Opt for coconut aminos if you need a gluten-free alternative to Worcestershire sauce.
Seasoning adjustments: Add smoked paprika or cumin to change the taste while keeping the original measurements like ½ teaspoon for spices.

Remember, red wine can be swapped with beef broth or a mix of red grape juice and vinegar to keep things alcohol-free.

Mastering Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your slow cooker beef stew to the next level with some pro tips. Searing the meat in 3 to 6 tablespoons of olive oil for 45 seconds per side really boosts the taste, but if you’re in a rush, adding raw beef works too.

Flavor Boosts

Experiment by deglazing with red wine for extra depth, or add mushrooms for more umami. Fresh herbs like rosemary can make a big difference, so don’t skip that sprig.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of parsley for a nice touch. For make-ahead meals, prepare the base ahead and reheat it the next day.

Tip Category	Suggestion
Cooking Technique	Sear beef and caramelize onions first
Flavor Variation	Add balsamic vinegar for complexity
Presentation	Garnish with fresh herbs

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your slow cooker beef stew fresh and tasty for later. Put leftovers in airtight containers and pop them in the fridge right away. This simple step helps maintain the stew’s rich flavors and prevents spoilage.

Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to keep it fresh.
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months, thawing overnight before use.
Reheat on the stove or microwave, stirring to keep it even.
Plan for meal prep by making large batches for quick meals.

As a final note, check out Allrecipes for more storage ideas.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Can I put raw beef directly into my slow cooker for beef stew?

Yes, you can add raw beef directly into the slow cooker for beef stew. While searing the beef before cooking enhances flavor and texture, it is not mandatory. Simply toss the raw beef pieces in your seasoning or flour mixture and add them to the slow cooker along with vegetables and broth. Cooking on low heat over 6-8 hours will tenderize the meat thoroughly.

How long should I cook beef stew in a slow cooker?

Beef stew typically cooks well in a slow cooker on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low is preferred for tender meat and well-developed flavors. Avoid overcooking, as vegetables like potatoes can become mushy if left too long.

What’s the best way to thicken slow cooker beef stew?

To thicken your beef stew, add a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This method helps achieve a rich, velvety texture. Alternatively, mash a few of the cooked potatoes into the stew to naturally thicken it without extra starch.

Can I use frozen beef in my slow cooker beef stew?

It’s generally not recommended to use frozen beef directly in the slow cooker. Starting with frozen meat can keep it in the temperature danger zone (40°F-140°F) too long, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. For best results, thaw beef completely before cooking.

How can I add more flavor to slow cooker beef stew?

Enhance the flavor by seasoning the beef with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary before cooking. Adding aromatics such as onions, garlic, and bay leaves also builds depth. If searing meat first is feasible, it adds a caramelized layer of flavor to the stew. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of red wine can further enrich the taste.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe with Tender Meat and Hearty Vegetables