Bowl of slow cooker beef stew with vegetables and herbs

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting and hearty dish. It is perfect for cold days or when you want a warm meal waiting for you after a long day. This recipe is easy to follow and allows you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. You can set it in the morning and come home to a home-cooked dinner that fills the house with amazing smells. It's a great way to use simple ingredients to create something nourishing and satisfying.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Making Slow Cooker Beef Stew is straightforward and fun. You start by preparing your ingredients. The key is to make sure everything is ready in advance so you can easily layer them into your slow cooker.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 lbs. beef chuck, trimmed of fat and cut into 2" cubes
¼ cup flour
6 yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
3 large carrots, cut into 2" pieces, or 8 oz. baby carrots
4 stalks celery, cut into 2" pieces
1 medium yellow onion, diced
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced (optional)
1 cup red cooking wine (optional)
2 cups beef stock/broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Start by tossing the beef cubes in flour until they are fully coated on all sides. This adds flavor and helps to thicken the stew.
Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes until they are browned. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
In the same pan, add a little more oil and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant. This usually takes just a couple of minutes.
Pour in the red wine and beef broth. Scrape off any browned bits from the pan; these add great flavor to the broth. Let it simmer until it starts to boil.
Layer the bottom of the slow cooker with the quartered potatoes, carrots, and celery.
Add the seared beef cubes, the sautéed onions, garlic broth, and the drained diced tomatoes to the slow cooker.
Season your stew with the bay leaf, parsley, allspice, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cook everything on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Once it's done, dish out the stew hot and serve it with some crusty bread. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serving Slow Cooker Beef Stew is simple. Ladle the hot stew into bowls and consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a bit of color. You can serve it with crusty bread, rice, or even a side salad. This meal is filling on its own, but a side of bread helps to soak up all the delicious broth.

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Stew

If you have leftovers, storing your beef stew is easy. First, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to leave some space in the container since liquids expand when frozen. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Browning the Beef: Searing the beef adds a lot of flavor. Don't skip this step!
Vegetable Choices: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans if you prefer. Just make sure they don't cook down too much.
Make It Thicker: If you like a thicker stew, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your stew towards the end of cooking. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs as you like.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe. For a bit of spice, add some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes. If you want to make it healthier, substitute some of the potatoes with more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. If you're avoiding alcohol, you can leave out the red wine and use extra broth instead.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
- Yes, you can! Just change the beef broth to chicken broth, and make sure to adjust cooking times for chicken, which cooks faster.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
- Yes, you can cook it on high for about 4-5 hours. However, slow cooking allows the flavors to develop fully.
What can I serve with beef stew?
- Rice, bread, or even a fresh green salad go well with beef stew. It's quite filling on its own!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a simple and delicious dish that anyone can make. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you can create a hearty meal that will leave everyone satisfied. It's perfect for family dinners, easy meal prep, or cozy nights in. Follow the steps above, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic stew!