Slow Cooker Beef Stew — A hearty and delicious beef stew recipe that is loaded with hearty veggies and incredible flavor! Fork-tender beef literally melts in your mouth and the red wine sauce is to die for. This slow cooker beef stew is the perfect comforting dish on a cold Fall or Winter day!
Looking for more comforting dishes? Check out our best slow cooker recipes!
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Ingredients list for the slow cooker beef stew
- 3 lbs (1.5kg) boneless beef chuck, cut to 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup red cooking wine
- 1 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 pound (450g) baby potatoes, rinsed
- 1/2 butternut squash, seeded, peeled, and diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (or cilantro, if you prefer)
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the slow cooker beef stew: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper the beef and dust with flour. Add beef to the skillet and sear on each side for 2-3 minutes. Set beef aside.
2. Add a bit of red wine to the skillet and scrape down the brown bits on the side. Allow it to simmer and reduce and slowly add beef broth and tomato paste. Whisk well and add the sauce to the slow cooker.
3. Add beef, potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and add the bay leaf. Add red wine, give a good stir, cover and cook on low until beef is fork-tender for 8-10 hours or high for 6-8 hours. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the slow cooker beef stew immediately. Enjoy!
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Tips for the slow cooker beef stew recipe
Our most favorite beef stew is made easily in the crockpot! The meat is super tender and the stew is rich, chunky, and hearty! Impress your friends and family with this beautiful-looking and tasting beef stew recipe. Here are a few tips to make it even better:
- You don’t need to brown the meat if you’re pressed for time. We do recommend it for added flavor – it is worth it!
- The onions and garlic can also be sautéed on the side before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Red wine gives the crockpot beef stew a greater depth of flavor. However, you can omit it if you prefer. Some readers told us they like to add a couple tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, give it a try!
- Feel free to add more veggies such as celery, salsify, or even mushrooms.
- Bacon could make a nice addition too – make sure to get rid of bacon fat beforehand.
- If you don’t have garlic at hand, use a teaspoon or two of garlic powder instead.
What to serve with the slow cooker beef stew?
Potatoes, butternut squash, and carrots cooked with the meat are usually enough to make the slow-cooked beef a substantial meal, but you can serve it on top of white or brown rice or pasta. A slice of baguette or country bread on the side is a must!
How and how long to keep the crockpot beef stew leftovers?
Keep the slow cooker beef stew leftovers for 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat the meat, veggies, and sauce on low in a slow cooker or dutch oven, adding a little water to loosen the sauce if necessary. The slow cooker beef stew freezes very well so you can make plenty for those quick-fix weeknight feasts. Keep the beef stew in the freezer for 3 months maximum.
More slow cooker beef recipes you might like
- Crock Pot Ground Beef Stew with Potato and Carrot
- Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Corned Beef
- Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
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Delicious! Thank you for simplifying the recipe.
