Imagine coming home after a long day, feeling the evening’s chill. As you enter, the warm scent of beef stew greets you. It brings back memories of cozy family dinners.
This slow cooker beef stew recipe turns simple ingredients into a warm, loving meal. It’s easy to fit into your busy schedule. Just set it and forget it, and a delicious dish awaits you and your family.
Key Takeaways
- This slow cooker beef stew recipe is perfect for busy evenings, allowing you to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort.
- The rich, savory flavors develop beautifully with slow cooking, making every bite comforting and inviting.
- It’s a great way to bond with family over a delicious homemade meal.
- The recipe can easily be adapted to include different ingredients based on your preferences.
- Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this stew is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
This easy slow cooker beef stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Every bite brings back memories of cozy family dinners. It fills your home with warmth and joy, making it more than just a meal.
A Hearty, Comforting Classic
The aroma from your slow cooker is irresistible. This stew reminds us of simpler times when meals united us. It’s perfect for cold evenings, offering a warm, satisfying meal.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This recipe is great for busy days. Just add your ingredients and let it cook while you’re away. When you come home, a delicious dinner is ready, saving you time and effort.
Packed with Rich, Deep Flavors
The slow cooking process blends flavors perfectly. Quality beef and fresh veggies make it both comforting and vibrant. Each serving is a burst of rich flavors, loved by all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ pounds stew meat
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ cup flour
- 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, divided
- 2 cups yellow onions, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup 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 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup Cold Water + 3 tablespoons Corn Starch (Optional)
- 2-3 drops Gravy Master (Optional)
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Instructions
Making a hearty beef stew in a crockpot is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps to prepare your delicious homemade beef stew slow cooker meal.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew
To make the perfect savory beef stew, follow these tips. They will boost both flavor and texture. Paying attention to how you prepare ingredients and cook will make your stew better.
Cut Ingredients Evenly
Cutting your veggies and beef the same size helps them cook evenly. This way, you get a mix of flavors that work well together. Avoid big pieces that stay tough and small ones that get mushy. Go for chunks that are just right for a tasty spoonful.
Don’t Skip the Sear
Sealing the beef before slow cooking makes a big difference. It caramelizes the meat, adding depth and flavor to your stew. This step is key for a beef stew that really stands out.
How to Adjust Consistency
If your stew is too watery, you can fix it. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Then, stir it into the stew. Let it cook for 30 more minutes. This trick makes your stew thick and rich, a hit with everyone.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Properly storing your homemades slow cooker beef stew ensures you enjoy its rich flavors later. Whether you have leftovers from a family dinner or meal prep for your week, following these guidelines will keep the taste and texture of your classic beef stew recipe.
How to Store
Store your beef stew in airtight containers. Place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you have extra portions, consider freezing them in freezer-safe bags or containers for longer shelf life.
Freezing Tips
Freezing your classic beef stew recipe is a great option for future meals. To do this effectively:
- Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to freezer bags.
- Press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label your bags with the date to keep track of freshness.
This way, you can enjoy your homemade slow cooker beef stew for up to three months without losing flavor.
Reheating Without Losing Flavor
When you’re ready to enjoy the deliciousness again, reheat your stew using these methods:
- Stovetop: Place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
If you’ve frozen your beef stew, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will help maintain both taste and texture, ensuring a heartwarming bowl every time.
Variations and Substitutions
Crafting a flavorful slow cooker beef stew can be fun and creative. You can change it up to fit your taste and dietary needs. This makes the stew your own.
Use Different Root Vegetables
Adding different root vegetables can make your stew better. Try using parsnips, turnips, or rutabagas instead of potatoes and carrots. They add a sweet and earthy flavor, making your stew special.
Make it Gluten-Free or Low-Sodium
For a gluten-free stew, use cornstarch as a thickener. Choose low-sodium beef broth to cut down on salt. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious stew without worrying about gluten or salt.
Add a Spicy Kick
Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce. This will make your stew more exciting. It’s perfect for those who like a little spice.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Pure Comfort
This delicious slow cooker beef stew recipe is a top pick for many home cooks. It combines tender meat and fresh veggies, offering a meal that’s both tasty and comforting. It’s ideal for family dinners or relaxing nights at home.
The recipe is easy to make and can be customized to fit your family’s taste. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to the kitchen, you can easily make this stew. It’s a great way to try out different flavors and make it your own.
Why not cook up a batch today? The amazing smell it makes will have everyone looking forward to dinner. Enjoy cooking this hearty stew and share special moments with your family. Every spoonful is a delight!
For more cozy dinner inspiration, check out our chicken pot pie with flaky crust — another classic that’s easy, nostalgic, and perfect for family mealtime.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds stew meat
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ cup flour
- 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons cold butter divided
- 2 cups yellow onions diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup 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 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes halved or quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup Cold Water + 3 tablespoons Corn Starch Optional
- 2-3 drops Gravy Master Optional
Instructions
- Cut the stew meat into 1-inch cubes, removing any large pieces of fat. It's okay if there is marbled fat in the meat.
- Season the beef with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss to coat. Sprinkle flour over the meat and toss again.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the meat in batches for about 45 seconds on each side. Add more oil if needed. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
- Reduce the heat to medium, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, and sauté the onions for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine, scraping up any brown bits. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients except for the peas, corn starch mixture, and 2 tablespoons of cold butter to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 7 ½ to 8 hours or on high for 3 ½ to 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Add the peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaves and rosemary stem.
- Optional: To thicken the stew, combine ¼ cup of cold water with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Slowly add this mixture to the stew, stirring until thickened.
- Turn off the heat and swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a smooth finish. This technique is called “Monter au Beurre”.
Notes
For a richer color, you can add 2-3 drops of Gravy Master.
