Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the quintessential comfort food, ideal for cozy evenings or when you need a hearty meal with minimal fuss. This dish is celebrated for its rich, deep flavors and tender chunks of beef that become melt-in-your-mouth with slow cooking. Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully over several hours. With a mix of savory beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this beef stew is not only delicious but also practical, providing ample servings for a family meal.

Ingredients for Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• 2 lbs Beef Chuck: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks.
• 4 Carrots: Peeled and sliced into thick rounds. Carrots add a natural sweetness and texture.
• 4 Potatoes: Peeled and cut into chunks. Potatoes provide heartiness and soak up the flavors of the stew.
• 1 Onion: Chopped. Onion adds depth of flavor to the stew base.
• 3 Garlic Cloves: Minced. Garlic enhances the savory profile of the stew.
• 2 Celery Stalks: Sliced. Celery adds a subtle crunch and flavor.
• 1 Cup Frozen Peas: Added near the end of cooking for a burst of color and sweetness.
• 1 Cup Red Wine: Optional, for deglazing and adding richness. Use beef broth if preferred.
• 4 Cups Beef Broth: Provides the base for the stew’s flavorful liquid.
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste: For added depth and richness.
• 2 Bay Leaves: For infusing the stew with a subtle herbal flavor.
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic quality.
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary: Complements the beef and vegetables.
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: For browning the beef.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning.
• 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the stew (optional).

How to Make Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1. Prepare the Beef:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef cubes in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and brown on all sides. This step adds a depth of flavor through caramelization.
• Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

1. Sauté Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
• Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.

1. Add Remaining Ingredients:

• Add the carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, dried thyme, and rosemary to the slow cooker.
• If using, pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a minute to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
• Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker, covering all ingredients. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a bit more broth.

1. Cook the Stew:

• Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-6 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables cooked through.
• About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. This step adds a fresh element and a pop of color to the stew.

1. Thicken the Stew (Optional):

• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
• Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until thickened.

1. Season and Serve:

• Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the stew hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

About the Main Ingredients

• Beef Chuck: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which breaks down during cooking and becomes tender. It has a robust flavor that enriches the stew.
• Carrots and Potatoes: These vegetables add texture and heartiness to the stew. Carrots bring a natural sweetness, while potatoes absorb the flavors and provide substance.
• Onion and Garlic: Essential for building the base of the stew, onions add a savory depth, and garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and complements the other vegetables.
• Beef Broth: The main liquid component that forms the base of the stew, providing a savory foundation.
• Red Wine: Adds a layer of complexity and richness. It’s optional but highly recommended for enhancing the stew’s flavor.
• Bay Leaves, Thyme, and Rosemary: These herbs infuse the stew with a pleasant aromatic quality, making the dish more flavorful.

Enjoy this comforting, slow-cooked beef stew as a hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its rich flavors and tender ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your preferences or dietary needs!