What’s something about a hearty stew that makes everything feel right in the world?Slow Cooker Beef stew.Recipe is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, like a big hug on cold days. I remember the smell of stewed beef and vegetables at my grandma’s, the aroma of a boiled egg and sausage. It reminds me of Sunday dinners in my grandparents. How much everyone loves chili? Imagine that comfort food feeling, but with bigger chunks of tender beef and a deeply savory flavor. What is the best way to make a slow cooker stew? My family begs for this every fall, and honestly, I’m happy to oblige! Is it healthy?
What is slow cooker beef stew?
Think of Slow Cooker beef stewAs the ultimate comfort food. What is essentially a one-pot meal where chunks of beef are slowly simmered with vegetables. It’s mainly made up of potatoes and potatoes. What are some of the best broths to make? The “slow cooker” part means you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld over and over. I use a slow cooker, but any pot will work. What makes this different from a beef bourguignon? What is fussy – perfect for a weeknight dinner or if you’re going out with friends for dinner? What’s all about simple ingredients, slow cooking, and maximum flavor payoff?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I start with this recipe? What is the slow cooking process for beef? All that rich, savory broth. What are some of the best comfort food recipes using beef, carrots, potatoes and onions? What do you love about this book?Slow Cooker Beef stew. is how easy it is. Seriously, you just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing! It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have time to babysit the stove. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. You can use a less expensive cut of beef, and the slow cooking will make it incredibly tender. Speaking of beef, chuck roast is my go-to.
It’s perfect if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for lunch. I often double the recipe and freeze half for future meals. It’s so versatile, too! Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, or over Mashed Potatoes for an extra cozy meal. It’s similar to my Grandma’s pot roast, but even easier to make in the slow cooker. And trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it all winter long! You just can’t beat the ease and deliciousness. My kids ask for this constantly, especially when the weather starts to turn cold.
How do I make slow cooker beef stew?
Quick Overview
Making this Slow Cooker beef stew is made in a slow cookeris so simple, it practically makes itself! What is the best way to cook beef in a slow cooker? Some broth and seasonings. Then, let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. What is the beauty of this recipe? What is the best way to cook vegetables? Is this recipe foolproof?
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew:
* 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Don’t skimp on the beef quality; it makes a difference!
I always use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onions work great here.
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped. I like to use rainbow carrot for extra color.
* 2 celery stalks, chopped. Adds a nice savory note.
* 4 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly is always best!
* 4 cups beef broth. Low-sodium is my preference, so I can control the salt.
* 1 cup red wine (optional, but highly recommended!). Adds depth of flavor.
* 2 tbsp tomato paste. Gives the stew a rich, umami flavor.
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. A secret ingredient for extra depth.
* 1 tsp dried thyme. Adds a classic stew flavor.
* 1 tsp dried rosemary. Complements beef beautifully.
* 1 bay leaf. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
* 1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed. Holds their shape well.
* 1 cup frozen peas. Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
* 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 TBSp cold water to create a slurry, optional). What is the best way to thicken stew at the end of the meal?
How do I follow the
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped parsley and stir until combined. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. What is the key to a rich, flavorful crust?
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this point is just heavenly!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the Slow Cooker. Add the browned beef, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. Mix well. What are rosemary and bay leaf? Stir to combine. Make sure all the beef is submerged in the liquid.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer the beef cooks, the more tender it becomes. I usually go for the low and slow method for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Add Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker during the last 2-3 hours of cooking time, or until the potatoes are tender. What are the best ways to cook potatoes I like to add them later so they don’t get too mushy.
Step 6: Add Peas
Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, or until they are heated through. What is the best way to add a touch of color to your cake?
Step 7: Thicken (Optional)
If you want a thicker stew, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create slurry. How do I stir the slurry into a slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking time? Cook until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. I usually don’t need to do this, but it’s a good option if your stew is too thin.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. My family loves it over Mashed Potatoes or egg noodles.
What should I serve it with?
This slow cooker beef stew is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments.
For a Casual Dinner: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious broth. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing also pairs well.
For a Cozy Night In: Serve over Mashed Potatoes or creamy polenta for an extra comforting meal. A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors of the stew.
For a Potluck: Bring a big batch of this stew to Your Next potluck or gathering. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to transport in the slow cooker.
For a Hearty Lunch: Leftover stew makes a fantastic lunch. Pack it in a thermos for a warm and satisfying midday meal. I actually prefer it the next day because the flavors meld even more!
My family tradition is to always have warm, crusty bread with this stew. It’s just not the same without it! I’ve also tried serving it with cornbread, and that’s a delicious combination as well.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this slow cooker beef stew even better. Here are my top tips:
Beef Prep: Don’t skip the browning step! It adds so much flavor to the stew. Make sure to pat the beef dry before browning it, so it gets a nice sear.
Vegetable Choices: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Liquid Level: Make sure the beef and vegetables are mostly covered with liquid in the slow cooker. If needed, add more beef broth to reach the desired level.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as bay leaves, fresh thyme, or rosemary. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
Wine Alternatives: If you don’t have red wine on hand, you can substitute it with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t be afraid to be liberal with the salt and pepper, especially during the initial browning of the beef. This really helps to bring out the flavors.
Spice it Up: For a kick, add a pinch of Red Pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew. My husband loves it when I add a little heat!
I once accidentally added too much thyme to the stew, and it was overpowering. Now I always measure carefully! And I also learned that using high-quality beef broth makes a big difference in the overall flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This slow cooker beef stew is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s How to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the stew will expand when frozen.
Thawing Methods: Thaw the frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between. If the stew is too thick, add a splash of beef broth to thin it out.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this stew doesn’t have a glaze, no worries about glaze-specific timing. Just store and reheat as described above!
I always make a double batch of this stew, so I can freeze half for future meals. It’s such a lifesaver on busy days when I don’t have time to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker beef stew is truly one of my all-time favorite recipes. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. The slow cooking method makes the beef incredibly tender, and the vegetables soak up all that rich, savory broth. What I love most is that it’s a meal the whole family enjoys and asks for again and again!
If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal to warm you up on a chilly day, look no further. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes, like my slow cooker pot roast or my slow cooker chili.
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your slow cooker beef stew turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know your variations and tips. Share your photos and tag me – I’d love to see your culinary creations!
How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Hearty Ground Beef Stew: 7 Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef
- 6 cups Beef Broth Low sodium
- 1 lb Potatoes Peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Carrots Sliced
- 1 cup Celery Diced
- 1 medium Onion Diced
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 0.5 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker.
- Add the beef broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
