ULTIMATE COMFORT BEEF STEW

I can almost smell it now: the rich, savory aroma of beef simmering low and slow, filling the entire house with warmth. My grandma used to make a beef stew that could cure any bad day, and I’ve spent years trying to replicate that magic. After countless attempts, I’ve finally perfected a recipe that comes pretty darn close, and the best part? It’s all done in the slow cooker! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Slow Cooker Beef Stew you’ll ever make!

Why Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ULTIMATE Comfort Food

Let’s be honest, there’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of beef stew. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug from the inside out. And when you make it in a slow cooker, the flavors have a chance to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched. Plus, the hands-off nature of slow cooking means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time to tackle other tasks (or just relax!).

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This isn’t just any slow cooker beef stew recipe. I’ve incorporated a few key techniques to elevate the flavor and texture to the next level. We’re talking perfectly tender beef, a rich and flavorful gravy, and vegetables that are cooked to perfection (no mushy carrots here!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these are pantry staples!

• Beef: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing the beef.
• Onion: 1 large, chopped. Yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is a must!
• Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and chopped.
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped.
• Potatoes: 2 lbs, Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and cubed. Yukon Golds hold their shape well, while Russets create a slightly thicker stew.
• Beef Broth: 4 cups. Low-sodium is preferred so you can control the saltiness.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. Adds depth and richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons. A secret ingredient for umami flavor!
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon.
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Bay Leaf: 1. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, optional).
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Stew Perfection

Now for the fun part! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with the most delicious beef stew you’ve ever tasted.

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You want each piece to be nicely browned on all sides. This searing process adds incredible flavor to the stew. Think of it as building a flavorful foundation!
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour a splash of beef broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits (also known as fond) are packed with flavor and will add depth to your stew.
5. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef, sautéed onions and garlic, and any pan drippings to the slow cooker. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become!
7. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
8. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Success Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Want to guarantee a perfect pot of beef stew every time? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the beef might seem like an extra step, but it’s essential for developing a rich, complex flavor. It also helps to prevent the beef from drying out during the long cooking process.
• Use Quality Beef Broth: The quality of your beef broth will directly impact the flavor of your stew. Opt for a low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness.
• Cut Vegetables into Uniform Sizes: This ensures that the vegetables cook evenly. No one wants a pot of stew with some vegetables that are mushy and others that are still hard!
• Resist the Urge to Open the Lid: Every time you open the slow cooker lid, you release heat and extend the cooking time. Try to avoid opening the lid unless absolutely necessary.
• Adjust the Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so adjust the cooking time as needed. The beef should be fork-tender when it’s done.

Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Add Turnips or Parsnips: These root vegetables add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
• Add Red Wine: Pour in a cup of dry red wine along with the beef broth for a richer, more sophisticated flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
• Add Pearl Onions: These add a touch of elegance and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a few complementary sides:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Green Salad: A light and refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
• Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits are the perfect accompaniment.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a fantastic make-ahead meal! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
• Slow Cooker: You can even reheat the stew in the slow cooker on low heat for a few hours.

Other Delicious Beef Recipes to Try

If you’re a beef lover like me, you’ll want to check out some of my other favorite beef recipes. For a quick and easy appetizer, you can’t go wrong with Garlic Butter Beef Bites. They’re incredibly flavorful and perfect for parties or game day. Or, if you’re craving a hearty casserole, try my Steak & Cheddar Potato Casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food! And for a classic dish that’s always a hit, you absolutely must make Beef and Noodles. It’s worth the wait, I promise! If you’re looking for an even simpler beef stew recipe, you might like my Beef Stew recipe, which is a classic for a reason! And if you are in the mood for something lighter, then try my Chicken Stew for a lighter alternative.

Recipe Card: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Here’s a handy recipe card you can print out and keep in your kitchen!

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Comfort

There you have it! My foolproof recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stew. I truly believe this will become a family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Happy cooking!

ULTIMATE COMFORT BEEF STEW

Amelia

This slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in. Tender beef, flavorful gravy, and perfectly cooked vegetables combine for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 7 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Paper towels
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle
• Serving bowls

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 lbs potatoes, Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown on all sides and set aside.
• Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour a splash of beef broth (about 1/2 cup) into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (deglaze).
• Transfer the seared beef, sautéed onions and garlic, and any pan drippings to the slow cooker.
• Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, remaining beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding a cup of dry red wine to the stew. This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating. Searing the beef is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor. Don’t skip this step!