Best Beef Stew Recipe Slow Cooker

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 08, 2025

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Best Beef Stew Recipe: Slow Cooker Magic

Are you ready to experience the ultimate comfort food? This slow cooker beef stew recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Forget hours of stovetop simmering; your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. This recipe is optimized for search engines, focusing on keywords like "slow cooker beef stew," "best beef stew recipe," "easy beef stew," and related long-tail keywords.

Ingredients for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This recipe serves 6-8 and is easily adaptable to your needs.

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast works wonderfully) This is crucial for tender results!
• 1 tbsp olive oil High-quality olive oil enhances the flavor profile
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste Adds depth and richness
• 1 cup beef broth Use low-sodium for better control over seasoning
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but highly recommended for a richer flavor) Dry red wine works best
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds a savory umami punch
• 1 tsp dried thyme Classic beef stew herb
• 1 tsp dried rosemary Another aromatic herb that complements beef
• 1 bay leaf Adds a subtle layer of complexity
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or russet work well) Add potatoes towards the end for optimal texture
• 1 cup frozen peas (added during the last 30 minutes) For a pop of color and freshness
• Salt and pepper to taste Season generously throughout the cooking process

Step-by-Step Instructions for Effortless Beef Stew

This recipe is designed for simplicity and ease of use. Even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results.

1. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches for even browning.

2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the seared beef and vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.

4. Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the cut of beef.

5. Add potatoes: About 1 hour before serving, add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. This prevents them from becoming mushy.

6. Stir in peas: During the last 30 minutes, stir in the frozen peas.

7. Serve and enjoy: Once the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through, remove the bay leaf and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Use a good quality cut of beef: Chuck roast or beef stew meat are ideal choices.
• Don't overcook the potatoes: Add them towards the end to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Season generously: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or turnips.
• Serve with crusty bread: Soak up all that delicious gravy!

This slow cooker beef stew recipe is not just delicious; it’s also a fantastic way to save time and effort in the kitchen. Enjoy!