Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe: Perfect Comfort Meal for Fall and Winter

Are you craving a hearty slow cooker beef stew that’s perfect for those chilly days? This savory dish is filled with tender chunks of beef, golden potatoes, sweet carrots, peas, garlic, and a flavorful beef broth.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or just looking to stock your fridge with leftovers, this recipe is the ultimate go-to comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This slow-cooker beef stew is a timeless comfort dish. With succulent beef, potatoes, and carrots, everything cooks low and slow, absorbing the deep flavors of a rich broth.

The result? A perfectly seasoned and tender meal that pairs beautifully with a slice of cornbread or over mashed potatoes.

Key Ingredients in Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for this classic slow cooker beef stew and their essential roles:

Beef: Chuck roast is the best cut for stew, thanks to its marbled fat, which becomes tender and flavorful after hours of cooking.

Vegetables: Golden Yukon potatoes, carrots, and peas add texture and nutritional value to the stew.

Garlic & Onions: These form the base of the savory flavor, releasing their sweetness as they cook.

Red Wine: This is optional but adds depth and acidity to the broth.

Beef Broth: The liquid base that binds all the flavors together.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Prepare the Beef: Start by cutting the beef into 1-inch cubes. Season it with garlic salt, black pepper, and celery salt for an initial burst of flavor. Coat the meat with flour to help thicken the stew while cooking.
Sear the Beef: Heat a skillet with olive oil and brown the beef on all sides for about 45 seconds per side. This step locks in the flavor and gives the stew a richer taste.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced onions for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan. These caramelized vegetables add a beautiful sweetness to the stew.
Slow Cook Everything Together: Transfer the beef, sautéed onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and beef broth into your slow cooker. Add bay leaves, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Set your slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. During the last 15 minutes, toss in the peas.
Thicken the Stew (Optional): For a thicker stew, mix cold water and cornstarch, then stir it into the slow cooker. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the stew to thicken naturally.
Finish with Butter: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a smooth and velvety finish. This final touch gives the stew a rich and luxurious texture.

Choosing the Right Beef for Stew

Using the right cut of beef is essential to achieving a tender and flavorful stew. Here are the best beef cuts for slow cooker beef stew:

Chuck Roast: The top choice for beef stew, chuck roast becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking due to its connective tissue.
Rump Roast: Another affordable option, rump roast has a bold flavor and works well in slow-cooked dishes.
Bottom Round: This cut is leaner but still provides excellent texture when slow-cooked.

Best Potatoes for Beef Stew

Not all potatoes hold up well in a slow cooker. For the best texture and flavor:

Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are the top choice for beef stew. They hold their shape well, and their buttery texture enhances the dish.
Red Potatoes: Another great option, red potatoes have a firm texture that won’t disintegrate during long cooking times.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

To make your stew even more delicious, here are some expert tips:

Searing the Beef: Don’t skip searing the meat! This step adds a lot of flavor to the stew and helps to lock in juices.
Monter au Beurre: Swirling cold butter at the end is a chef’s secret that adds a luxurious texture to the stew.
Handle the Meat with Care: Try not to overhandle the beef while searing. The more you handle it, the more juices are lost, resulting in dry, tough beef.

Can You Cook Raw Beef in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can add raw beef directly into your slow cooker. While browning the beef first enhances the flavor and gives it a richer taste, it’s not mandatory.

If you’re short on time, just coat the raw beef in flour and place it directly into the slow cooker along with the uncooked onions and garlic.

Red Wine Substitutes for Beef Stew

Not a fan of red wine? No problem. You can substitute the red wine in this recipe with an equal amount of beef broth or even red grape juice.

For extra flavor, add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, which brings the same acidity and helps tenderize the beef.

For a unique twist, try using extra stout Guinness beer instead of wine, especially if you want an Irish-inspired beef stew.

Optional Add-Ins

Want to mix it up? Here are some optional ingredients that can enhance your stew:

Celery: Adds a bit of crunch.
Green Beans: A fresh, crisp addition.
Sweet Potatoes: For a subtle sweetness and a burst of color.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Stew

This beef stew keeps well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This hearty stew pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are a few ideas:

Cornbread: Soft, warm cornbread soaks up the broth perfectly.
Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are a classic pairing.
Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the stew over mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal.
Texas Roadhouse Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls add a touch of sweetness.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Can I use a different type of meat for beef stew?

Yes, lamb or pork can be substituted for beef in this recipe, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

Dried rosemary works well as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for every sprig of fresh rosemary.

Can I make beef stew in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can use the sauté setting for browning the meat and onions, then cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes.

Try These Next

If you loved this slow cooker beef stew, here are some other cozy recipes to try:

Chicken Enchilada Soup: Packed with chicken, beans, and enchilada sauce.
Clam Chowder: A creamy, seafood-packed classic.
Chicken Stew: A lighter, chicken-based version of this recipe.

This slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate comfort meal, filled with hearty vegetables, tender beef, and a rich broth.

It’s a go-to recipe for fall and winter that’s easy to make, perfect for meal prepping, and utterly delicious.

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe: Perfect Comfort Meal for Fall and Winter