Description
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A timeless comfort food, this slow cooker beef stew is perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender beef, golden potatoes, carrots, peas, and a rich broth, this dish is a warm hug in a bowl. Its origins are rooted in rustic home cooking, offering a hearty, no-fuss meal loved across generations.
2 ½ lbs stew meat, cubed
½ tsp each: black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt
¼ cup flour
3-6 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter (divided)
2 cups diced yellow onions
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red wine (or substitute)
4 cups beef broth
2 bouillon cubes
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp tomato paste
5 carrots, chopped
1 lb baby Yukon potatoes, halved
2 bay leaves
1 rosemary sprig
1 cup frozen peas
Directions:
1. Season and flour the beef; sear in batches.
2. Sauté onions and garlic, deglaze with wine, and transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add remaining ingredients (except peas and cornstarch) and cook low for 8 hours.
4. Add peas in the last 15 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch if desired.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 507
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect stew. First, pat your cubed stew meat dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the beef with the black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, and flour until evenly coated. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, adding more oil as needed, until browned on all sides. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chopped carrots, halved potatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary sprig. Stir everything to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover, and cook on HIGH for the final 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or flaky biscuits for dipping. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to add a fresh, savory finish.
How-to Summary
To summarize: coat and sear the beef. Sauté onions and garlic, then deglaze the pan with wine. Combine everything (except peas and thickener) in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8 hours. Add peas (and a cornstarch slurry if desired) in the final 15 minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook this stew on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes, you can cook it on HIGH for 4-5 hours. However, the LOW setting yields more tender, fall-apart beef.
What’s a good non-alcoholic substitute for the red wine?
Use an equal amount of additional beef broth mixed with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar for acidity.
Can I prepare this stew the night before?
Absolutely. Complete the searing and sautéing steps, then combine all ingredients (except peas) in the slow cooker insert. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert in the base and start cooking.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, parsnips, or celery are excellent additions. Add sturdy vegetables at the beginning, and more delicate ones (like peas) at the end.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip searing the beef, as this step builds foundational flavor. Do not overfill your slow cooker; it should be no more than 2/3 full. Do not add the peas too early, or they will become mushy and lose their color. Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking, as this releases heat and significantly increases cooking time.
Conclusion
This slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can effortlessly create a deeply flavorful, tender, and satisfying dish that will warm you from the inside out. It’s a reliable recipe that promises a delicious reward with minimal active effort, perfect for busy days and cozy nights.