PPicture this: you walk into your home after a long day, and the air is filled with the rich, savory aroma of a slow-simmered beef stew. This Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. What makes this stew so wonderfully special is how incredibly easy it is to achieve such deep, complex flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Perfect for a chilly evening, a busy weeknight when you want a no-fuss meal, a comforting weekend supper, this hearty and flavor-packed stew is destined to become a family favorite. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a satisfying meal!
Prep Time: 20-25 mins (active)
Total Time: 6-8 hrs (active prep & slow cooking time)
Servings: 6-8 hearty portions
Ingredients:
For the Hearty Beef Stew:
▢ 2 - 2.5 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, cubes
▢ ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
▢ 1 ½ tsp Salt
▢ ½ tsp Black Pepper
▢ 2 tbsp Olive Oil
▢ 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
▢ 4 cloves Garlic, minced
▢ 4 medium Carrots, sliced
▢ 3 Celery Stalks, sliced
▢ 1.5 lbs Potatoes, chunks
▢ 4 cup (32 oz) Beef Broth
▢ 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
▢ 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
▢ 2 Bay Leaves
▢ 1 tsp Dried Thyme
▢ 1 cup Frozen Peas
▢ Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the beef cubes and toss until evenly coated. This helps create a nice crust and thickens the stew slightly.
- Sear the Beef (Highly Recommended!): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, sear the beef cubes on all sides until nicely browned (about 1-2 minutes per side). Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Don’t worry about cooking it through; you’re just building flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: To the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor!
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, until the beef and vegetables are very tender.
- Finish & Thicken: About 15-20 minutes before serving, to thicken the stew, make a slurry. Whisk 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 3 tbsp of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the stew. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and let it cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of this thickening time.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle your warm, hearty beef stew into bowls. Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley. This stew is wonderful on its own with crusty bread for dipping!
Recipe Notes:
- Best Beef for Stew: Chuck roast is ideal for slow-cooking as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Look for a piece with good marbling. Brisket can also work.
- Don’t Skip the Sear!: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates a much deeper, richer flavor. It’s an extra step, but so worth it for the best tasting stew!
- Veggie Variety: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. Mushrooms are also a fantastic addition (sauté them with the onions).
- Low and Slow is Best: The low and slow method yields the most tender beef and well-melded flavors.
- Thickening Tips: You can also mash some cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to release their starch and naturally thicken the stew.
- Flavor Boosters: A splash of red wine added to the skillet to deglaze after sautéing the onions adds incredible depth. A dash of balsamic vinegar stirred in at the end can also brighten the flavors.
- Make-Ahead & Storage: Beef stew is even better the next day! Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
There you have it – a truly comforting and satisfying slow cooker beef stew that will warm you from the inside out! This recipe, with its tender beef and rich gravy, is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. We hope you enjoy making this hearty dish and sharing it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!oved ones. Happy cooking!
