This hearty beef stew is packed with tender meat and colorful veggies, all slow-cooked to perfection. Just toss everything in your slow cooker, and let it do the magic!
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the warm smell of stew. I like to top mine with fresh bread for a cozy meal. What about you—are you team bread or team spoon? 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes really tender. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with stewing beef or even use turkey or chicken for a different flavor.
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are classic, but feel free to add other veggies like peas, green beans, or parsnips. If you’re aiming for a low-carb meal, consider using cauliflower or squash instead.
Beef Broth: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, vegetable or chicken broth works just fine. For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of broth and a splash of red wine.
Herbs: Dried herbs work great, but if you can get fresh ones, they’ll provide a brighter flavor. Swap out dried herbs for fresh, using three times the amount. Fresh parsley, thyme, or even basil can be great choices!
How Do I Get My Beef to Be Tender in a Slow Cooker?
Getting perfectly tender beef comes down to low and slow cooking. Here are some tips:
- Use a good quality beef chuck for better flavor and texture.
- Brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps develop layers of flavor.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often while cooking, as this can release heat and extend cooking time.
- Make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot; it should cover most of the ingredients for optimal cooking.
Cooking on low heat is the secret weapon—7 to 8 hours lets the beef get fork-tender.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh rosemary)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time in the slow cooker! You can let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, giving you tender beef and flavorful vegetables by dinner time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Toss them in flour until they are lightly coated, which helps to thicken the stew later. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes until nicely seared on all sides. Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker.
2. Adding Vegetables:
Next, chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Add all these colorful veggies right into the slow cooker with the beef. They’re going to soak up all that delicious flavor as they cook!
3. Mixing the Broth:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This mixture is going to add depth and warmth to your stew. Once mixed, pour it over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to toss in the bay leaves!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The long cooking time will make the beef tender and the flavors beautifully meld together. Try not to lift the lid too often, as it releases heat and increases the cooking time!
5. Finishing Touches:
When the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and taste your stew. Add more salt and pepper if needed for extra flavor. Lastly, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color!
6. Serving:
Serve your comforting beef stew hot, paired with warm bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. Enjoy the cozy flavors that bring warmth to your meal!
This recipe yields a rich, comforting stew that’s perfect for chilly days. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed beef for optimal browning and flavor. If you only have frozen beef, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking.
How Can I Thicken My Stew Further?
If you’d like a thicker stew, simply mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help achieve that perfect consistency!
Can I Prepare This Stew the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can chop all your ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just toss them all into the slow cooker with the broth, and you’re ready to go!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if it needs a little moisture back. Enjoy it all over again!
