This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food! It features tender chunks of beef, colorful veggies, and a flavorful broth that warms your soul.
The best part? You just toss everything in the slow cooker and relax while it simmers! Nothing beats coming home to a warm, hearty meal after a long day. 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Look for chuck roast or similar cuts for best results. They become tender and flavorful over long cooking times. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap for ground beef, but it’ll change the dish’s texture.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and onions are classics, but feel free to add in celery, bell peppers, or even squash if you like. You can also swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic but store-bought works just as well. For a lighter option, use vegetable broth or any low-sodium version to control saltiness.
Tomato Sauce: You can use tomato paste or even a can of diced tomatoes. If you’re avoiding tomatoes, consider a splash of balsamic vinegar or just skip it altogether, adding a bit more seasoning.
Seasonings: Fresh herbs can be a nice alternative to dried ones. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs instead of 1 teaspoon dried. Adjust based on your taste!
How Do You Get the Beef Just Right?
Getting tender beef is crucial for a great stew! Here’s how to do it right:
- Dry and Season: Make sure your beef cubes are dry. This helps them brown properly. Don’t be shy with seasonings; it adds a lot of flavor!
- Brown them: This step adds depth to your stew. Heat oil in a skillet, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook until nicely browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside before layering in the slow cooker.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 7-8 hours allows flavors to meld beautifully, so patience is important! If you’re running short on time, high heat will work, but the texture may be somewhat different.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, comforting beef stew to enjoy! Happy cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe for Tender, Hearty Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For Thickening (Optional):
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning beef)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time of 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the slow cooker. Total time can range from 7 hours and 20 minutes to 8 hours and 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy meal after a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice browning. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
2. Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. This step adds wonderful flavor to the stew. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
3. Layer the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic on top of the browned beef in the slow cooker. This creates a beautiful layer of veggies that will cook down and add flavor.
4. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Pour in the beef broth, followed by the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes) and tomato paste. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and place the bay leaves in the mix. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
5. Cook the Stew:
Cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Optional Thickening:
If you prefer a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened to your liking.
7. Check Seasoning:
Once done, remove the bay leaves. Give the stew a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as necessary.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Ladle the hearty stew into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprig of rosemary for added flair. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal!
This slow cooker beef stew is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, hearty, and tender meal with minimal effort. It truly is comfort food at its best! 🍲
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the beef in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method (seal in a bag and submerge in cold water) for a quicker thawing option. Brown the beef after thawing for added flavor!
How Can I Thicken the Stew Without Flour?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can thicken the stew using cornstarch instead of flour. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also use mashed potatoes or pureed beans for a natural thickening method.
Can I Make This Stew in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little beef broth if needed to loosen it up.
What Are Some Good Add-Ins for This Stew?
Feel free to customize your stew with add-ins like green beans, mushrooms, or peas during the last hour of cooking for a pop of color and flavor. You can also toss in a splash of red wine along with the broth for an extra depth of flavor!
