Slow Cooker Beef Stew: A Hearty and Comforting Meal
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s incredibly easy to make. The slow cooking process helps to tenderize the beef and allows all the ingredients to meld together into a flavorful, satisfying meal.
When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew. Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect dish for those chilly nights when you crave something rich, flavorful, and comforting.
With tender chunks of beef, savory vegetables, and a rich broth, this stew is a complete meal that requires minimal preparation. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, let it simmer, and by the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll have a comforting dish that’s been cooking to perfection for hours.
Why You Will Love Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Effortless and Convenient: The best part of using a slow cooker for beef stew is how little hands-on time is required. Simply chop your ingredients, add them to the pot, and let the slow cooker work its magic. You’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Full of Flavor: The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, savory broth that is packed with flavor. The beef becomes so tender it practically falls apart, and the vegetables absorb the spices and seasonings, making each bite more delicious than the last.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Beef stew stores incredibly well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day. It’s perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for a busy week. Simply reheat and enjoy.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. Add more vegetables, swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes, or make it spicy by adding some chili flakes. The possibilities are endless, making it a great base recipe that you can tailor to your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Beef stew is a dish that the whole family will love. The tender beef, soft potatoes, and hearty vegetables make it a balanced and filling meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients
To make a flavorful and hearty slow-cooker beef stew, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck roast or brisket), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Thickening (Optional):
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging the beef)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for a thicker stew)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized cubes. You can use a chuck roast, brisket, or any other cut that is suitable for slow cooking. If you’d like to add extra flavor and help the beef brown nicely, dredge the beef in flour before searing it in a hot pan with a little oil. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor, but this step is optional.
Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional)
If you choose to sear the beef, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely browned. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker. If you skip the searing step, you can simply add the raw beef straight to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. These vegetables will cook down slowly, adding texture and flavor to the stew.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker, making sure the ingredients are mostly covered. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. The tomato paste will help thicken the stew while adding richness and flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Stew
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on the low setting. Let the stew cook for about 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on the high setting for about 3-4 hours, though the flavors may not develop quite as much.
Step 6: Add the Peas
Once the stew is done, stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. The peas will add a burst of color and a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the stew.
Step 7: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can make a slurry with flour and water and stir it in to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the stew is finished cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the stew hot, either on its own or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. This stew pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations
- Add More Vegetables:
If you love vegetables, feel free to add more! Mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, or green beans can be added to enhance the flavor and texture of the stew. - Spicy Beef Stew:
For those who like a little heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to kick the flavor up a notch. - Slow Cooker with Sweet Potatoes:
Swap out the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious twist. Sweet potatoes also add a rich color to the dish. - Add Red Wine:
For a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a cup of red wine to the stew along with the broth. It adds richness and a slight acidity that balances out the dish.
How to Serve
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. You can serve it with:
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up the rich broth.
- Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For a filling side that complements the hearty stew.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can balance the rich and savory stew.
