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Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew

4.8/5
5 reviews
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
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 carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 4 medium potatoes, quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1

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

2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (optional browning step)

3

Brown meat in batches until golden on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side

4

Transfer browned meat to slow-cooker

5

Add chopped vegetables, garlic, and herbs to the slow-cooker

6

Whisk together beef broth, wine, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce

7

Pour liquid mixture over the meat and vegetables

8

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours

9

In the last 30 minutes, whisk flour with 1/4 cup of cooking liquid and stir back into stew to thicken

10

Remove bay leaves before serving

11

Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed

Troubleshooting

If stew is too thin, increase flour/cornstarch mixture
If meat is tough, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes
If vegetables are too firm, cut them smaller next time
If gravy is too thick, thin with additional beef broth
If seasoning is bland, adjust salt and pepper at the end

Recipe Variations

Irish Style: Add Guinness beer instead of wine French Bourguignon Style: Use burgundy wine and add pearl onions Harvest Style: Add butternut squash and parsnips Spicy Version: Add paprika and cayenne pepper Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with turnips or radishes

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with crusty bread for soaking up the gravy Spoon over mashed potatoes or egg noodles Garnish with fresh parsley Pair with a robust red wine Add a side of crusty French bread

Nutrition Facts

385
Calories
32g
Protein
28g
Carbs
16g
Fat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the meat before slow cooking Opening the lid too frequently during cooking Cutting vegetables in inconsistent sizes Using lean cuts of beef instead of marbled chuck Adding too much liquid which dilutes flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the beef is tender enough?

The meat should easily break apart with a fork when it's done

Can I put frozen meat in the slow-cooker?

It's not recommended for food safety reasons. Always thaw meat completely first

Why brown the meat first?

Browning creates a deeper flavor through caramelization and improves the final texture

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, simply replace with additional beef broth

What's the best cut of beef for stew?

Chuck roast is ideal as it becomes tender with slow cooking

Reviews

Victoria R.
Mar 2, 2026
The meat was so tender it melted in our mouths!
Marcus T.
Mar 16, 2026
Great recipe, though I needed to add more seasoning for my taste
Natasha K.
Mar 11, 2026
Perfect comfort food for cold weather
Xavier P.
Mar 2, 2026
Easy to follow recipe with delicious results
Yuki M.
Mar 21, 2026
My family's new favorite beef stew recipe
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