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Flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe (Rich & Hearty Meal)

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Experience comfort in a bowl with our Slow Cooker Beef Stew. This hearty dish features tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory herbs, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Ideal for busy days, simply set it and forget it, then come home to a delicious, warming meal. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this stew is sure to become a favorite!

Slow-cooker beef stew is my go-to comfort food, especially during chilly evenings. Many people struggle with finding a hearty meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare. 

Slow Cooker Beef Stew 1

I used to face the same issue, always searching for recipes that tick all the boxes. Then, I stumbled upon slow-cooker beef stew. 

This savory, wholesome soup changed everything for me. I love how it combines simple ingredients yet delivers rich, satisfying flavors. My family eagerly awaits each spoonful, savoring its warmth and nourishment. With Slow cooker beef stew, I found a way to keep mealtime stress-free while ensuring everyone enjoys a hearty dish. It’s now a staple in our home, offering a perfect blend of taste and comfort.

What Is Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish made by simmering beef and vegetables in a slow cooker. I use chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions, all seasoned with garlic and herbs. The slow cooker melts the flavors over several hours, producing tender meat and a rich, flavorful broth. This stew is perfect for a filling, warm meal, especially on cold days.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew 2

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

  • Beef Substitute beef with lamb or pork for a different flavor profile, giving the stew a unique and delicious twist.
  • Potatoes Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a sweeter, more nutrient-dense option that adds a different texture.
  • Carrots Swap carrots for parsnips or turnips, which offer a slightly different taste and add variety to the vegetable mix.
  • Broth Use vegetable or mushroom broth instead of beef for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly stew version.
  • Herbs To enhance the stew’s aromatic profile, experiment with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves instead of the usual parsley.
  • Tomatoes Add canned tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer, more robust flavor and a hint of acidity to balance the stew.
  • Beans Incorporate beans like cannellini or kidney beans for added protein and fiber, making the stew heartier and more filling.
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Recipe Directions 

  • Gather all the ingredients.
  • Place the meat in the slow cooker.
  • Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the meat and stir until the meat is coated.
  • Add beef broth, carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook until the beef is tender enough to cut with a spoon. Cook on Low for 8 to 12 hours or High for 4 to 6 hours.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!
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Variations, Add on and Toppings

Variation

  • Vegetarian Stew: Replace beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to enhance flavors and keep it vegetarian-friendly.
  • Spicy Stew: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Adjust spice levels to taste, balancing heat with other flavors for a bold dish.
  • Italian Style: Enhance with a can of diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a splash of red wine. This combination adds depth and a Mediterranean flair to your stew.
  • Southwestern Stew: Incorporate black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Season with cumin and chili powder for a robust Southwestern taste profile. Perfect for those who love bold flavors.
  • Guinness Stew: Substitute beef broth with Guinness beer for a rich, malty flavor. This adds a unique depth to the stew, perfectly complementing the savory elements.

Add-Ons

  • Peas: Stir in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a burst of color and sweetness. They add freshness and texture to the stew.
  • Mushrooms: Include sliced mushrooms for extra umami flavor. They absorb the stew’s rich flavors and add a meaty texture, perfect for enhancing depth.
  • Parsnips: Dice parsnips and add them for a slightly sweet and nutty taste. They complement the savory elements, adding complexity to the dish.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Substitute or add sweet potatoes for a different texture and flavor profile. They offer a natural sweetness and creamy texture when cooked in the stew.
  • Green Beans: Incorporate fresh or frozen green beans for additional crunch and nutrition. They maintain their texture well and add a vibrant color to the dish.

Toppings

  • Fresh Herbs: For a fresh, aromatic finish, garnish with chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary. They add a burst of herbaceous flavor and visual appeal.
  • Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy contrast. It complements the stew’s richness and adds a cooling element.
  • Croutons: Top with crunchy croutons for added texture and a satisfying bite. They absorb the stew’s flavors and provide a delightful crunch.
  • Grated Cheese: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for extra richness and depth of flavor. It melts into the stew, enhancing its savory profile.
  • Hot Sauce: Finish with a dash of hot sauce for an additional kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference, adding layers of spice to the dish.
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Can I Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

  • Preparation: Follow the recipe directions, placing all ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Cooking Time: Cook on Low for 8-12 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
  • Finish: Check that the beef is tender, then serve hot.

Instant Pot

  • Sauté Mode: Use the sauté function to brown the beef and soften the onions before adding the other ingredients.
  • Add Ingredients: Add all the remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot.
  • Pressure Cook: Set to high pressure for 35-45 minutes.
  • Natural Release: Allow a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.
  • Finish: Check that the beef is tender, then serve hot.
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Can I Use Store Bought Broth Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

  • Convenience: It is ready to use and saves time in preparation. It is ideal for quick meals without compromising on flavor or quality, ensuring efficiency in your cooking process.
  • Consistency: Offers a consistent flavor profile. Whether low-sodium, organic, or flavored, it maintains a reliable taste that enhances your slow-cooker beef stew.
  • Varieties: Available in low-sodium, organic, and flavored options. Choose according to dietary preferences or recipe requirements, ensuring versatility and suitability for various dishes.

Homemade Broth

  • Flavor: Richer, more customizable flavor profile. Enhance your slow cooker beef stew with a homemade broth, adjusting ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences perfectly.
  • Control: You control the ingredients and seasoning. Tailor the broth to dietary needs or flavor preferences, ensuring a personalized touch that elevates the overall taste of your dish.
  • Nutrition: Generally healthier, without preservatives. Enjoy a nutritious option that prioritizes freshness and quality, enhancing the nutritional value of your slow cooker beef stew.
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How To Serve?

  • Warm Bowls: Preheat serving bowls to maintain stew temperature for longer. This keeps your meal warm and enjoyable throughout.
  • Garnish: Enhance with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or sour cream. These additions add flavor and visual appeal, elevating the stew’s presentation.
  • Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the rich broth. The Bread complements the stew and adds a satisfying texture.
  • Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the hearty flavors. The salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory stew.
  • Beverages: Complement with robust red wine or hearty ale. These drinks enhance the meal experience and pair well with the stew’s bold flavors.
  • Portion Size: Serve generous portions, as the stew is filling and satisfying. Ensure each serving includes ample beef, vegetables, and flavorful broth.
  • Presentation: Ladle stew into bowls, ensuring a balanced mix of beef, vegetables, and broth in each serving. Presentation enhances enjoyment and visual appeal.
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Perfect Side Dishes

  • Crusty Bread is ideal for soaking up the rich broth, adding a hearty texture, and enhancing the stew’s flavors with its crusty exterior and soft interior.
  • Mashed Potatoes add a creamy, comforting element to the hearty stew, providing a smooth contrast to the savory flavors.
  • Green Salad: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the savory stew, balancing flavors and textures with its leafy greens and refreshing dressing.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Adds variety with different textures and flavors, enhancing the meal’s richness and nutritional value with their caramelized edges and tender interiors.
  • Buttered Noodles: A simple, satisfying side that pairs well with the stew, offering a comforting and filling addition with its buttery coating and soft texture.
  • Cornbread: This slightly sweet accompaniment to the savory stew adds a unique texture and flavor contrast with its crumbly yet moist consistency.
  • Rice: Absorbs the delicious flavors of the stew, providing a versatile and filling accompaniment to the meal with its fluffy grains and ability to soak up sauces.
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Storage & Make Ahead

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the stew in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
  • Cool First: Allow the stew to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
  • Label Containers: Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
  • Reheat Properly: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.
  • Microwave: Microwave individual portions on medium heat, stirring halfway through.

Make-Ahead

  • Prep Ingredients: Chop vegetables and trim beef the night before. Store in separate containers in the fridge.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix seasonings and flour in advance for quick assembly.
  • Pre-Cook Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic ahead of time and refrigerate.
  • Assemble and Refrigerate: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking in the morning.
  • Batch Cooking: Make a large batch and freeze in portions for quick future meals.
  • Cook Overnight: Cook the stew overnight on Low for a ready-to-eat meal in the morning.
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What Can Be Done With Leftover Soup?

  • Stew Pot Pie: Use the leftover stew as a filling for a savory pot pie. Top with puff pastry or pie crust and bake until golden and bubbly.
  • Shepherd’s Pie: Turn the stew into a shepherd’s pie by adding mashed potatoes and baking until the potatoes are golden and crisp.
  • Stew Pasta: Toss the leftover stew with cooked pasta for a hearty and flavorful pasta dish, adding some grated cheese for extra richness.
  • Stuffed Peppers: Use the leftover stew to stuff bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender for a delicious and nutritious meal.
  • Stew Risotto: Stir the leftover stew into cooked risotto for a creamy, comforting dish that combines the best of both worlds.
  • Stew Pie: Place the leftover stew in a baking dish, top with biscuit dough or cornbread batter, and bake until the topping is golden and cooked through.
  • Freezer Meal: Portion the leftover stew into airtight containers and freeze for an easy, ready-to-heat meal on busy days.

Tips 

  • Brown the Beef: Sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing its flavor and texture.
  • Layer Ingredients: Place root vegetables (like potatoes and carrots) at the bottom and meat on top. This ensures even cooking.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overfilling the slow cooker. Leave space for the ingredients to simmer properly.
  • Control Liquid: Use enough broth to cover the ingredients, but do what is necessary. The slow cooker retains moisture, so you’ll need less liquid than cooking on the stove.
  • Add Veggies Later: Add crisper vegetables in the last 1-2 hours of cooking.
  • Thicken the Stew: If the stew is too thin, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it in and cook for another 30 minutes.
Flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe (Rich & Hearty Meal)

Flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe (Rich & Hearty Meal)

0 from 0 votes
Course: Soup Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

To make Slow Cooker Beef Stew, you’ll need a slow cooker, cutting board, sharp knife, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon, optional skillet, tongs, ladle, storage containers, and optional slow cooker liners. These tools help you efficiently prepare, cook, and serve a delicious, hearty beef stew.

Ingredients

  • ¼ Cup ¼ Beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • ½ Tsp ½ All-purpose flour

  • ½ Tsp ½ Salt

  • 1 ½ Cup 1 ½ Ground black pepper

  • 4 4 Beef broth

  • 3 3 Medium carrots, sliced

  • 1 1 Medium potatoes, diced

  • 1 1 Medium onion, chopped

  • 1 1 Stalk celery, chopped

  • 1 Tsp 1 Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 Tsp 1 Ground paprika

  • 1 1 Clove garlic, minced

  • 1 1 Large bay leaf

Step By Step Directions

  • Gather Ingredients
  • Ensure you have all the ingredients ready: 2 pounds beef stew meat, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 ½ cups beef broth, 4 medium carrots (sliced), 3 medium potatoes (diced), 1 medium onion (chopped), 1 stalk celery (chopped), 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 clove garlic (minced), and 1 large bay leaf.
  • Prepare the Beef
  • Trim excess fat from the beef stew meat and cut it into 1-inch pieces.
  • Coat the Beef
  • Combine ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  • Add the beef pieces to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with flour.
  • Brown the Beef (Optional)
  • For enhanced flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add a bit of oil and brown the beef on all sides. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor.
  • Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
  • Place the beef stew meat at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and celery to the meat.
  • Add Seasonings and Liquid
  • Pour 1 ½ cups of beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, and 1 minced garlic clove.
  • Place the large bay leaf on top.
  • Mix Ingredients
  • Stir the ingredients gently to combine, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly distributed, and the liquid covers most of the ingredients.
  • Cover and Cook
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker.
  • Cook on Low for 8 to 12 hours or High for 4 to 6 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
  • Check for Doneness
  • Check the stew for tenderness about an hour before the end of the cooking time. The beef should be easy to cut with a spoon, and the vegetables should be soft.
  • Adjust Seasoning
  • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Thicken the Stew (Optional)
  • If the stew is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry.
  • Stir the slurry into the stew and cook on High for 30 minutes until the stew thickens.
  • Serve
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • Ladle the stew into warm bowls.

  • Equipment List
  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Skillet (Optional)
  • Tongs
  • Ladle
  • Storage Containers
  • Slow Cooker Liners (Optional)
  • Peeler
  • Thermometer (Optional)

Notes

  • Use chuck roast or well-marbled beef for tender and flavorful meat.
  • Browning the beef before slow cooking adds rich flavor (optional).
  • Cut vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking.
  • Add a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes for a thicker stew.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially at the end of cooking.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for enhanced flavor and presentation.
  • Make the stew a day ahead for even better flavor as it sits.

Nutritional Table

Slow Cooker Beef Stew 11

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