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 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

Description

🥩 Slow Cooker Beef Stew delivers tender meat and hearty vegetables, making for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
🍲 This easy, one-pot recipe enhances flavors through slow cooking, perfect for cozy family dinners.

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

Instructions

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!

Notes

🔥 Sear meat before slow cooking to enhance flavor and texture.
🌿 Optional vegetables like celery, green beans, or parsnips add variety.
🍷 Substitute red wine with beef broth or a mix of grape juice and vinegar if preferred.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking and Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 507
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1035mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 49g
Cholesterol: 132mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Tender Beef, Hearty Vegetables, Comfort Food