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Hearty Beef Stew for Slow Cooker

4.8/5
5 reviews
Hearty Beef Stew for Slow Cooker
Hearty Beef Stew for Slow Cooker
500min Total Time
6 people Servings
Easy Difficulty
Moderate Cost
385 kcal Calories

Video

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Ingredients

6
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 4 medium potatoes, cut into large chunks
  • 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

1

Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper

2

Layer chopped vegetables in the bottom of the crockpot

3

Place seasoned beef chunks on top of vegetables

4

Mix beef broth, wine, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl

5

Pour liquid mixture over the beef and vegetables

6

Add bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary

7

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours

8

In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry

9

Stir cornstarch slurry into the stew and continue cooking until thickened

10

Remove bay leaves before serving

11

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken further

Troubleshooting

If stew is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry
If meat is tough, cook longer on LOW setting
If vegetables are too soft, add them later in cooking process
If sauce is too thick, thin with additional beef broth
If flavors are bland, adjust seasonings in the last hour

Recipe Variations

Hungarian style: Add paprika and caraway seeds French style: Use herbs de provence and add pearl onions Irish style: Use guinness instead of wine and add parsnips Italian style: Add red pepper flakes and Italian herbs English style: Add rutabaga and serve with dumplings

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with crusty bread for soaking up the gravy Pair with a fresh green salad Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving Serve over mashed potatoes for extra comfort Accompany with warm dinner rolls

Nutrition Facts

385
Calories
32g
Protein
28g
Carbs
16g
Fat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not patting meat dry before seasoning Opening the lid too frequently during cooking Cutting vegetables in inconsistent sizes Adding too much liquid which dilutes flavors Forgetting to remove bay leaves before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does beef stew take in a crockpot?

8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH for tender meat

Can I put raw beef in the crockpot?

Yes, but browning it first adds more flavor

Should beef be covered with liquid in the crockpot?

No, liquid should come about halfway up the ingredients

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Fresh is better, but frozen can be added in the last hour

Why is my beef stew meat tough?

It might need longer cooking time on LOW setting

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, replace with additional beef broth

How do I thicken beef stew?

Use cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes

Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, but cooking on LOW gives more tender results

What cut of beef is best?

Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, but don't overcrowd the crockpot

Reviews

Alexandra M.
Feb 26, 2026
Perfect comfort food! The meat was so tender.
Bernard K.
Feb 27, 2026
Great recipe, just needed a bit more seasoning.
Carmen R.
Feb 26, 2026
My family's new favorite stew recipe!
Derek W.
Feb 25, 2026
So easy to make and delicious results.
Elena P.
Feb 26, 2026
The best beef stew I've ever made!
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