Best Beef Stew Recipe Slow Cooker – Hearty & Delicious

Introduction

There’s something magical about a slow cooker beef stew. The rich aroma fills your home, the meat becomes incredibly tender, and the flavors deepen over time. Have you ever wished for a dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day? That’s the beauty of this beef stew recipe slow cooker style—minimal effort, maximum flavor!

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In this guide, we’ll break down the best beef stew recipe slow cooker style step-by-step. From choosing the right beef cut to seasoning it perfectly, you’ll learn everything to make a stew that will have everyone asking for seconds.

1. Ingredients for the Best Beef slow cooker beef stew

To create a mouthwatering beef stew recipe slow cooker style, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

2. Choosing the Best Cut of Beef

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Not all beef cuts are created equal when it comes to slow cooking. The best cuts include:

• Chuck Roast – The best option for slow cooking; turns buttery soft.
• Brisket – Another fantastic cut that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Short Ribs – Adds extra flavor and depth to the stew.

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Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew

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cooking

A hearty and flavorful slow cooker beef stew, packed with tender beef, vegetables, and rich broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker Preferably a 6-quart size
• Large Skillet For searing beef
• Cutting Board For chopping vegetables
• Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour for thickening
• 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
• 1 large onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 medium carrots chopped
• 3 potatoes peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery sliced
• 4 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
• 1 cup red wine optional, enhances flavor
• 2 tbsp tomato paste for rich flavor
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce adds depth to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme for seasoning
• 1 tsp dried rosemary adds aroma
• 2 bay leaves remove before serving
• to taste salt and black pepper

Instructions

 

• Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel and toss them in a bowl with flour, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly.
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• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
• In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to the slow cooker.
• Add carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
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• In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables.
• Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to retain heat and moisture.
• Once cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaves. Stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
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Video

Notes

For best results, use well-marbled beef cuts like chuck roast. Browning the meat before slow cooking enhances the depth of flavor.

Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Slow Cooker

Avoid lean cuts like sirloin as they can become dry and tough.

3. Prepping the Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

A great beef stew starts with proper ingredient preparation:

1. Sear the beef – Brown the beef cubes in olive oil to enhance the flavor.
2. Chop vegetables evenly – Ensures even cooking and the perfect texture.
3. Use fresh garlic and herbs – Fresh ingredients provide a richer taste.

4. Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Coat beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear beef in a skillet until golden brown. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté onions and garlic, then add to the slow cooker.
4. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaves.
5. Mix beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary, then pour over the beef.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
7. Remove bay leaves, stir, and serve hot!

5. Key Spices & Seasonings

The right combination of seasonings takes a beef stew recipe slow cooker dish from good to great! Key flavors include:

• Bay leaves – Adds depth and a subtle herbal note.
• Rosemary & thyme – Classic herbs for a hearty stew.
• Smoked paprika – Gives a subtle smoky kick.
• Worcestershire sauce – Enhances umami flavor.

6. Tips for Thickening the Stew

Want a thicker stew? Try these methods:

• Flour slurry – Mix 2 tbsp flour with water and stir in at the end.
• Cornstarch mixture – A quick way to add thickness.
• Mash some potatoes – Naturally thickens the broth.

7. Adding Vegetables for Extra Flavor

Veggies like mushrooms, parsnips, and peas add layers of flavor. Frozen peas can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes for a pop of freshness.

8. Best Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Stew

Pair your beef stew with:

• Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Mashed potatoes – A classic pairing.
• Steamed rice – Absorbs the stew’s rich gravy.

9. Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat for the best results.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the sear – This step adds extra flavor.
• Adding too much liquid – The slow cooker traps moisture, so less broth is needed.
• Overcooking vegetables – Cut them larger to prevent mushiness.

11. Health Benefits of Beef Stew

• Rich in protein – Great for muscle repair.
• Loaded with vitamins – Carrots, potatoes, and celery provide essential nutrients.
• Low in unhealthy fats – When made with leaner cuts.

Conclusion

There you have it—the best beef stew recipe slow cooker style! This dish is perfect for cold days, busy schedules, and anyone craving a comforting, hearty meal. So, why not grab your slow cooker and let it do all the work? After all, nothing beats coming home to the irresistible aroma of homemade beef stew!

FAQs

Enjoy your beef stew recipe slow cooker style and happy cooking!

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