Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

I’m totally into this slow cooker beef stew. Tender beef, hearty veggies, and a rich broth enhanced with a touch of tomato and optional red wine make it my go-to comfort meal. The slow simmer perfectly blends flavors into a cozy dish that’s effortless yet incredibly satisfying on busy days.

I love making this Slow Cooker Beef Stew because it’s simple yet packed with nutrition and flavor. I think that using 2 lbs beef stew meat, 4 cups beef broth and a cup of red wine (if you want a richer flavor) helps build a hearty dish that’s high in protein and vitamins.

I add in 3 carrots, 3 potatoes, and 2 celery stalks so you get plenty of fiber and essential nutrients in every bite. My recipe also includes a large chopped onion, 3 garlic cloves and 2 bay leaves along with 1 tsp dried thyme which really gives it that traditional beef stew taste.

I like that with a bit of tomato paste, salt and pepper, it all comes together perfectly in the crockpot. I find that this type of stew, along with other crockpot recipes beef stew and slow cooker recipes beef, makes for an easy warming meal thats good for lunch or dinner.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a few reasons. First, I love how easy it is to make. I dont have to stress about too many steps, and the slow cooker literally does most of the work for me. Second, the flavors are amazing. The combination of beef broth, red wine, and simple ingredients creates a rich and savory taste that always reminds me of a cozy family dinner. Third, it’s super hearty and comforting. I always feel satisfied with the tender beef and soft veggies, especially on those cold days when I need something warm and filling. Lastly, I appreciate that it’s a basic recipe with room for my own twist if i decide to add extra spices or veggies sometimes. This slow cooker beef stew is definetly my go-to meal for those lazy weekend nights when I just wanna relax and enjoy a good, homecooked dish.

Ingredients

• Beef stew meat is the star; its protein builds flavor and hearty texture for a satisfying meal.
• Beef broth adds a rich, savory base that slowly infuses taste into every veggie and tender meat piece.
• Red wine, though optional, gives a tangy, deeper note, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
• Tomato paste brings a slight acidity and natural sweetness that balances the savory elements well.
• Carrots offer natural sweetness and fibre, brightening the stew and giving extra nutrition.
• Potatoes contribute comforting carbohydrates and a creamy texture that rounds out the meal.
• Onion and garlic create a robust, aromatic foundation that ties all flavors together.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional if you want a richer flavor)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A few sprigs of fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this

1. Start by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in a hot skillet on medium-high heat for a few minutes on all sides, if you have time.

2. Transfer the browned beef straight into your slow cooker.

3. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and roughly chopped celery.

4. Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the beef broth along with the red wine for that richer flavor.

5. Add the bay leaves and dried thyme to the mix.

6. Give everything a good stir so that all the flavors start to get mingled.

7. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 8 hours or on high for around 4 hours.

8. Check the stew in the last half hour, adding extra salt and pepper if needed.

9. Once the meat is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked, remove the bay leaves.

10. Serve hot, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh parsley, and enjoy your hearty beef stew!

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Skillet for browning the beef
3. Cutting board
4. Chef knife for chopping vegetables
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Stirring spoon
7. Tongs for handling beef cubes
8. Ladle for serving the stew

FAQ

• Q: Do i need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
  A: You can brown the beef to lock in flavor, but its not required if you’re in a rush.
• Q: Can i substitute red wine if i dont have any?
  A: Yep, you can use extra beef broth to keep it tasty without the wine.
• Q: Can i add other veggies to this recipe?
  A: Sure, feel free to toss in peas, green beans or even turnips if you want to experiment.
• Q: How long should i cook the stew for?
  A: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the beef is super tender.
• Q: What can i do to thicken the stew?
  A: Mix some flour or cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last hour to get a thicker consistency.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t get beef stew meat, try using chuck roast cut into cubes. It has a similar texture and flavor but might need a bit longer to get tender.
• If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth. It changes the flavor a little but still works good.
• Don’t have red wine? You can substitute it with red grape juice plus a splash of vinegar or even just extra broth for a lighter taste.
• If you’re out of tomato paste, tomato puree or crushed tomatoes (strained a bit) can do the job, though you might need a tad more to achieve the same thickness.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you really brown the beef on all sides before putting it in the slow cooker. It adds a really nice flavor depth that you wouldnt get if you just tossed it in raw.

2. When you add the veggies and broth, try not to overcrowd the slow cooker so that everything cooks evenly. Overcrowding can leave some pieces undercooked even after a long cooking time.

3. If you decide to use the red wine, let it simmer with the broth and tomato paste for a few minutes to let the alcohol cook off. This way you’ll get a richer flavor without the harsh edge.

4. Check your seasonings during the last half hour of cooking. Sometimes the flavors can change during the long cook time so you might need to add a bit more salt or pepper at the end.