Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 8 hours | Cost estimate: $15–20 | Serves: 6-8

Oh, friends, gather ’round! Let’s talk about the holy grail of cozy dinners: Slow Cooker Beef Stew. This isn’t just *any* beef stew; this is the kind your grandma used to make, the kind that fills your house with the most incredible aroma, and the kind that makes even picky eaters come back for seconds (and thirds!). I swear, even my kids, who think vegetables are the enemy, gobble this up. It’s seriously a weeknight lifesaver, especially when the weather outside is frightful. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that basically cooks itself? This recipe is super simple, totally adaptable, and guarantees a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. Get ready to win at dinnertime!

Why You’ll Love These

This slow cooker beef stew is about to become your new best friend. Here’s why:

• Effortless Dinner: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Seriously, anyone can make this.
• Incredible Flavor: Slow cooking creates a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve any other way. The beef is fall-apart tender and the veggies are perfectly soft.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later. Hello, future you!
• Customizable: Swap out veggies based on what you have on hand or what your family loves. Carrots? Potatoes? Sweet potatoes? Bring ’em on!
• Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this hearty and comforting stew. It’s a sneaky way to get them to eat their veggies!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make

1. Sear the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor in the stew.Note: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear. Trust me, you want that beautiful browning!
2. Sauté the aromatics: Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pan: If using red wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.Note: Deglazing adds a ton of flavor to the stew, so don’t skip this step if you have wine on hand!
4. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Pour the vegetable mixture (and wine, if using) into the slow cooker with the beef. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
5. Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Add potatoes and peas: During the last hour of cooking, add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. The potatoes should be tender and the peas heated through.Warning: Adding the potatoes and peas too early will result in mushy veggies. Nobody wants mushy potatoes!
7. Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Want to take your slow cooker beef stew to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tricks:

• Flavor Booster: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or a splash of soy sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Time Saver: Chop your veggies the night before to save time in the morning.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Prep Hack: For even easier cleanup, use slow cooker liners!

Dietary Variations

Need to adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Chuck roast, brisket, or even short ribs would work well in this stew. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking.

Can I add different vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, or even green beans would be delicious additions. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Summary & Final Thoughts

There you have it, friends – the ultimate slow cooker beef stew recipe that’s guaranteed to warm your heart and soul! Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and watch everyone devour it. I love making this on a chilly Sunday afternoon, letting the aroma fill the house while we play board games. It’s the perfect way to create a cozy and comforting family memory. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe or pin it for later – you’ll definitely want to make it again and again!