Hearty and Tender Slow Cooker Beef Stew

There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a hearty beef stew, and the slow cooker makes it so easy to create a tender, flavorful dish with minimal effort. This Hearty and Tender Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect meal for chilly days or when I want something warm and filling. The combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth makes this stew an irresistible dish that I’ll keep coming back to. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, making it a convenient meal for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the epitome of comfort food. The slow cooker takes the tough beef cuts and transforms them into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while the vegetables absorb all the rich flavors of the broth. The best part is that it’s a one-pot meal, which makes cleanup a breeze. With the variety of vegetables and seasonings, each bite is bursting with flavor, and it’s just the kind of dish I crave when I want something hearty and filling. Whether I’m serving it for dinner or enjoying the leftovers, this beef stew never disappoints.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or similar)

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine (optional)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

(Her’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In the slow cooker, add the beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.

2. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

3. Cover and 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.

4. If I want to thicken the stew, I can mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the broth become thicker and more hearty.

5. Once the stew is done, remove the bay leaves and give the stew a final taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes around 8 hours on low in the slow cooker (or 5 hours on high) for the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal, especially when I want to come home to a delicious dinner waiting for me.

Variations

• Add Extra Vegetables: If I want to boost the veggie content, I can add parsnips, turnips, or celery to the stew. They’ll add flavor and texture without compromising the overall taste.

• Spicy Beef Stew: For a kick of heat, I can add a chopped jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the stew for a spicy twist.

• Herb Twist: If I love fresh herbs, I can swap out the dried rosemary and thyme for fresh herbs. Just make sure to add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor.

• Gluten-Free Option: If I want to keep the stew gluten-free, I can skip the cornstarch thickening step or use a gluten-free flour mix to thicken it.

Storage/Reheating

The beef stew keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I can store it in an airtight container and simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors actually get better the next day, so it’s a perfect make-ahead meal. If I want to freeze leftovers, I can store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, I’ll need to thaw it in the fridge overnight and then heat it through on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes, I can use different cuts like brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts like chuck roast work best for slow cooking as they become tender over time.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew is great for making ahead, and in fact, the flavors improve after sitting in the fridge for a day or two. I can make it in the morning or the night before, then just reheat it when I’m ready to serve.

Can I add more broth if it gets too thick?

Yes, if the stew becomes too thick, I can add more beef broth or even water to adjust the consistency to my liking. Just be sure to taste it again and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, I can make this stew in a pressure cooker. For the same result, I’d cook it on high pressure for about 35-40 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. The beef will be just as tender in less time.

Can I make this stew without wine?

Yes, I can make this stew without the red wine. The wine adds depth to the flavor, but if I prefer to skip it, I can replace it with more beef broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to add some acidity.

Conclusion

This Hearty and Tender Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the definition of comfort food. The slow cooking process makes the beef melt in your mouth, while the vegetables soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth. It’s the perfect meal for busy days, as I can set it and forget it while it simmers away, filling my home with mouthwatering aromas. Whether I’m serving it to family or enjoying it on my own, this stew is sure to warm me up and satisfy my cravings every time.