Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef stew is a staple dish at my house. My family loves this hearty dish so much! I make it at least once a month. My usual way of cooking beef stew is to slowly cook it on the stove for an hour or so, until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender. On the weekend, I was able to cook beef stew differently, that is, using a slow cooker. In this slow cooker beef  stew, the beef was seasoned and browned first and then slowly cooked with some vegetables in a mixture of broth, wine and Worcestershire sauce. In the final stage of cooking, a flour mixture was whisked in to thicken the gravy. The meat turned out tasty and tender after 8 hours of cooking.  This one pot (or slow cooker) meal is all I need to feed my family. Delicious! 😀

Cooking Tips for Perfect Beef Stew

To achieve a flavorful beef stew, start with high-quality meat. Chuck roast is a great choice because it becomes tender and juicy after long cooking. Make sure to cut the meat into uniform pieces, about one to two inches, for even cooking. Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is crucial. This step enhances the flavor by creating a nice crust on the meat. Don’t rush this process; let the meat sear properly. When it comes to vegetables, root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips work best. Add heartier vegetables at the start, while more delicate ones, like peas, should be added in the last hour of cooking to keep their texture. If the stew seems too thin, a common trick is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir it into the pot in the last 30 minutes, allowing it to thicken nicely without clumps.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Beef stew is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate it. Serve it with a hearty crusty bread or buttery biscuits to soak up all that rich gravy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness. If you want to mix things up, consider adding different herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves complement the beef beautifully. For a twist, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy depth of flavor or a bit of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. If you have leftovers, beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can also freeze it for easy meals later. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for red wine in the stew?

If you prefer not to use red wine, you can simply use an additional half cup of beef broth. This will keep the flavors rich and savory without any alcohol.

How should I store leftover beef stew?

Let the stew cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for about three to four days, or you can freeze it for up to three months.

Can I make this beef stew ahead of time?

Making the stew a day ahead is actually a great idea. The flavors have time to meld together, and it tastes even better the next day.

What are good sides to serve with beef stew?

Some nice sides include crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad to lighten things up. Mashed potatoes also work great if you want something extra comforting.

What are common mistakes to avoid when making beef stew?

One common mistake is rushing the browning step. Take your time to sear the meat properly for maximum flavor. Also, avoid adding delicate vegetables too early in the cooking process, as they can turn mushy.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Liza A

Savory slow cooker beef stew combines tender chunks of beef with rich flavors from red wine and herbs. It’s a cozy, hearty dish that practically cooks itself.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Total Time 8 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 -6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 lbs stewing beef cubed
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup red wine or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large potato diced
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon liquid seasoning optional

Instructions

 

• In large plastic bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and thyme. Add beef and shake to coat.
• In large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil in medium heat; brown meat on all sides. Transfer browned meat to a 3 quartz slow cooker.
• Put the skillet back on the stove and de-glaze the pan with beef broth, wine, if using and Worcestershire sauce. Add the sauce to the slow cooker.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, bay leaf and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir, cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
• Increase heat to high; stir in peas and liquid seasoning, if using.
• Whisk 2 tablespoons flour in 2 tablespoons water; stir into stew. (You may skip this step if you want your stew to have more sauce)
• Cook, covered for another 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
• Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 35gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g

Keyword beef stew, comfort food, easy recipe, hearty meal, slow cooker

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