Hey buddy, fire up the slow cooker and let this Slow Cooker Beef Stew work its magic. Tender cubes of beef mingle with carrots, potatoes, and fragrant herbs, all swimming in a savory broth kissed by tangy tomato paste and a hint of smoky paprika. As it simmers, warm aromas fill the kitchen, wrapping you in comfort. No wine here—just rich beef stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar stand in, boosting flavor without alcohol. Each spoonful is a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Gather around the table, ladle generous portions, and savor every cozy bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Trust me, you’re going to love this melt-in-your-mouth beef!
- This one’s a game-changer for busy weeknights—set it and forget it!
- Loaded with hearty veggies, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
- The rich, savory flavors will warm your soul on chilly days.
- Perfect for leftovers—if there are any!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 480 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 500 minutes |
| Dietary | Not specified |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Warm and cozy |
Ingredients
Here are the delicious ingredients you’ll need for the ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew!
- 2 lbs beef chuck – cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth – use low sodium if preferred
- 3 large carrots – sliced
- 3 potatoes – diced
- 1 onion – chopped
- 2 stalks celery – sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas – for added sweetness
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – enhances flavor
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 tsp salt – adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – for seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This delightful Slow Cooker Beef Stew is perfect for cozy family dinners. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes and a cooking time of 7–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high, you can set it and forget it! Just add some extra time for garnishing and serving, and you’ll have a warm feast ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add potatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Let the flavors meld beautifully!
Step 5: Add Peas
In the last 30 minutes, stir in frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Choose chuck roast for tender, flavorful meat.
- Brown the beef first for richer flavor.
- Add vegetables like carrots and potatoes for heartiness.
- Use low-sodium beef broth for a balanced taste.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
How to Serve this Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light contrast.
- Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Enjoy over creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- Accompany with steamed green beans for a nutritious side.
- Serve in a bread bowl for a fun twist.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can easily prepare and store your Slow Cooker Beef Stew for later enjoyment:
Storing Slow Cooker Beef Stew Leftovers
- Allow the stew to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Cool the stew completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- For microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals.
- Add a splash of broth or water if the stew is too thick.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Equipment
- 1 Skillet For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 Slow Cooker For cooking the stew.
Ingredients
Beef
- 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
Broth
- 4 cups beef broth use low sodium if preferred
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots sliced
- 3 medium potatoes diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas for added sweetness
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp tomato paste enhances flavor
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper for seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add potatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Let the flavors meld beautifully!
Step 5: Add Peas
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 25g |
You can visit our breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts recipes from here:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use frozen beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef for this stew! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption. If you’re short on time, you can also cook the stew on a higher setting for a shorter duration, but be mindful that the texture may vary slightly.
2. What can I substitute for red wine in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with beef broth or a mixture of grape juice and vinegar. This will provide a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol. Just mix one part grape juice with a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity of wine, and you’ll have a great alternative for your stew.
3. How can I thicken my beef stew?
To thicken your beef stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes or carrots in the stew to naturally thicken the broth. Both methods will give you a hearty, satisfying texture.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as green beans, peas, or even mushrooms. Just keep in mind that different vegetables have varying cooking times, so add them accordingly. For instance, add quicker-cooking veggies like peas in the last hour of cooking to keep them vibrant and tender.
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table with your loved ones, savoring each warm bite of this Slow Cooker Beef Stew, remember how simple and rewarding it is to create such comfort. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! So roll up your sleeves, enjoy the process, and let the delicious aromas fill your home!