Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Looking for the best slow cooker beef stew recipe? This hearty beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this comfort food classic is easy to make with simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Our recipe includes tips for achieving perfectly tender beef, a flavorful wine-based sauce (or beef broth substitute), and customizable vegetable options. Whether you’re searching for a gluten-free or alcohol-free beef stew, we’ve got variations for every preference.

Serve this slow cooker stew with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or as a one-pot meal. Make extra because it’s even better the next day, and yes—it’s freezer-friendly!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds stew meat: Cut into 1-inch cubes (see notes).
• ½ teaspoon EACH: Black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt.
• ¼ cup flour
• 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, divided
• 2 cups yellow onions, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot (see notes).
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 5 medium carrots: Cut into 1-inch chunks.
• 1 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes: Halved or quartered.
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Optional Thickener: ¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons cornstarch.
• Optional Color Enhancer: 2-3 drops Gravy Master.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Trim large fat pieces from the beef, keeping the marbled fat.
   • Season beef with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss to coat.
   • Sprinkle flour over the meat and toss again until evenly coated.
2. Sear the Beef:
   • Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the beef in batches, cooking each side for 45 seconds. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
   • Add more oil if necessary and transfer seared meat to the slow cooker.
3. Prepare Aromatics:
   • Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet.
   • Add onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
   • Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine, scraping up browned bits with a silicone spatula.
   • Transfer onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Add Main Ingredients:
   • Add the remaining wine, beef broth, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary to the slow cooker.
   • Stir to combine.
5. Cook the Stew:
   • Cover and cook on low for 7 ½ to 8 hours or high for 3 ½ to 4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
6. Finish the Dish:
   • Add frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
   • Remove bay leaves and rosemary sprig.
   • Optional: For a thicker stew, mix ¼ cup cold water with 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Slowly stir the mixture into the stew. It will thicken as it stands.
   • Swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a velvety finish.
   • Optional: Add 2-3 drops of Gravy Master for a richer, darker color.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: A hearty, flavorful stew perfect for cozy nights.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

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Tips

• Searing the Beef: Don’t skip this step—it locks in flavor and gives the stew a rich base.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of additional beef broth.
• Deglazing: Scraping up the browned bits from the pan enhances the stew’s depth of flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetables: Swap Yukon gold potatoes for red potatoes or add parsnips for sweetness.
• Herbs: Substitute rosemary with thyme or a combination of both.
• Protein: Use pork or chicken for a different twist.

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FAQs

Can I freeze leftover stew?
Yes, allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with this stew?
Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.

Enjoy this slow cooker beef stew—comforting, savory, and sure to be a family favorite!