Why Make This Recipe

Slow cooker beef stew is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days or any time you want a hearty meal. It’s an easy recipe that brings together simple ingredients, creating a rich and delicious stew that fills your home with a wonderful aroma. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can let all the flavors blend together without needing to spend all day in the kitchen.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

Directions:

1. Season your beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. For a little extra flavor, you can sear them in a skillet (but it’s totally optional!).
2. Toss the beef, garlic, onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery into the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, beef broth, and bay leaves.
4. Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until the beef is tender and juicy.
5. If you like a thicker stew, mix the flour with a little water and stir it into the stew. Let it cook for another 10 minutes.
6. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves before serving! Enjoy your stew hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all that deliciousness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serve the beef stew hot in bowls. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or noodles for a filling meal. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for extra flavor and presentation.

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Stew

If you have leftovers, let the beef stew cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Choose good quality beef for the best flavor and tenderness.
• You can add other vegetables like peas or green beans, depending on what you have on hand.
• For a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste; feel free to experiment!

Variation

You can make a mushroom beef stew by adding sliced mushrooms. They cook down nicely and add an earthy taste. Another variation is to add red wine for a richer flavor, just reduce the broth a little to balance the liquid.

FAQs

Can I make this stew without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make beef stew on the stovetop in a large pot. Just simmer it on low heat for about 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.

Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, other cuts like chuck roast or brisket work well. Just cut them into cubes like stew meat.

What can I serve with beef stew?
Beef stew pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness.