Okay, friends, let me tell you about the most comforting, soul-satisfying meal I know: Slow Cooker Beef Stew. This isn’t just any stew; it’s the kind that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma and makes everyone come running. Think of your grandma’s classic recipe, but even easier, and honestly? I think, even more flavorful because the slow cooker really works its magic. We all love a good roast, right? But sometimes you just want something hearty and spoonable. Trust me, this Slow cooker beef stew recipe. is a game-changer on busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a seriously delicious meal without all the fuss.

What is slow cooker beef stew?

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is basically happiness in a bowl, slowly simmered to perfection. It’s a hearty dish, where tender chunks of beef mingle with perfectly cooked vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Think of it as a warm hug on a cold day. The name pretty much tells you how it’s made – we let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s essentially a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy folks who still want a home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize it to your own tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons to adore this slow cooker beef stew recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is insane. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the vegetables soak up all those delicious savory juices. We’re talking deep, rich, and unbelievably satisfying flavors that will have you scraping the bowl clean.
But beyond the taste, it’s just so darn easy. Seriously, you basically toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. It’s a lifesaver on those hectic days when you just don’t have time to stand over a hot stove. I usually prep it in the morning, and by dinnertime, the house smells incredible, and dinner is ready to go!
What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. You can use a less expensive cut of beef (like chuck roast), and the slow cooker will work its magic to make it tender and delicious. Plus, you can bulk it up with inexpensive vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Speaking of versatile, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can add different veggies, herbs, or even a splash of red wine for an extra layer of flavor. If you are looking for a similar recipe check out my chicken pot pie recipe!

How do I make slow cooker beef stew?

Quick Overview

Making this slow cooker beef stew is honestly as simple as chopping, searing, and setting! We’ll start by browning the beef for extra flavor (trust me, don’t skip this step!). Then, we’ll toss it into the slow cooker with all the veggies, broth, and seasonings. Let it simmer low and slow all day, and you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal waiting for you when you get home. The best part? Minimal cleanup!

Ingredients

For the Beef:
* 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes (I prefer chuck roast because it gets super tender in the slow cooker, but you can also use stew meat.)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (For searing the beef. You can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil.)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:
* 1 large onion, chopped (Yellow or white onion works great.)
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (I like to chop them into 1-inch pieces so they don’t get too mushy.)
* 2 celery stalks, chopped (Same size as the carrots.)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is key for that amazing flavor!)
* 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed (I use Yukon gold potatoes, but Russet potatoes also work.)
* 1 cup frozen peas (Added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.)

For the Broth:
* 4 cups beef broth (Low sodium is best so you can control the salt.)
* 1 cup dry red wine (Optional, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor. I use a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.)
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Adds richness and helps thicken the stew.)
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (For that umami goodness!)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1 bay leaf (Don’t forget to remove it before serving!)

What is the step-

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don’t overcrowd the pan! You want a nice, deep brown crust. It usually takes me about 2-3 batches.

Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker

Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. If the garlic burns in the skillet after searing the beef deglaze with a bit of beef broth before adding to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork. I usually cook it on low all day while I’m at work.

Step 5: Add Potatoes and Peas

About 1 hour before serving, add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas. If you add the potatoes too early, they might get too mushy, and nobody wants that!

Step 6: Thicken (Optional)

If you want a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Let it simmer until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. I find this step to be necessary sometimes depending on the broth I use.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the slow cooker beef stew into bowls and serve hot. I love serving this with a crusty bread for dipping!

What should I serve it with?

What is a good slow cooker beef stew?What is a good cozy dinner? Serve with a side of crusty bread or warm rolls for soaking up all that delicious broth. A simple side salad also adds a nice touch of freshness.
What is a hearty meal?What are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes or polenta?For a Special Occasion:Serve it with a glass of red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) to complement the rich flavors. What are some good side dishes to serve with Greek yogurt?

My family also loves having a slice of cornbread with this. Its got that sweet and savory thing going on that is just perfect. The kids love dipping the cornbread into the stew.

How do I make a Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Okay, I’ve made this stew *a lot*, so I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way to ensure it’s tasty. Is it always perfect

Beef Browning:Don’t skip searing the beef, it adds so much flavor to the stew. Make sure to brown it in batches so that you don’t overcrowd the pan, which can steam the beef instead of steaming it.Vegetable Prep Chop the vegetables into roughly the same size so they cook evenly. I like to keep the carrots and celery a bit larger so they don’t get too mushy.
Liquid Ratio: Make sure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker to cover the beef and vegetables. If it looks too dry, add a little more beef broth.
Herb Power:How do I use dried herbs in a recipe? If using fresh herbs, add them during the last hour of cooking.Salt Savvy:Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Is it safe to add salt to your food?Wine Wisdom:If you don’t have red wine on hand, you can substitute it with more beef broth or a splash of water. What is balsamic vinegar for?Thickening TacIf you want a thicker stew, you can use cornstarch slurry or mash some of the potatoes with an electric mixer. How do you stir in flour at the beginning of cooking?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What is the best way to make a slow cooker beef stew the next day?

Room Temperature: Allow the stew to cool completely before storing. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s a great meal prep option for the week!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and heat in intervals, stirring in between. If the stew seems too thick after reheating, add a little more beef broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While I prefer chuck roast for its tenderness, you can also use stew meat, sirloin, or even short ribs. Just keep in mind that different cuts will have different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes. Just add them at the same time as the carrots and celery.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function. Then add all the ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 35-40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.

Can I make this without wine?

Of course! Just substitute the red wine with more beef broth. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.

How can I make this gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to double-check the labels of your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are gluten-free. If you need to thicken the stew, use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite slow cooker beef stew recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for those cozy nights when you just want a comforting and delicious meal. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I know you’ll love it as much as my family does!
If you’re a fan of easy and delicious slow cooker recipes, be sure to check out my other recipes on the blog. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your stew turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!