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Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe Easy Hearty Classic for Cozy Dinners

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A warm, rich, and hearty slow cooker beef stew perfect for cozy dinners. This classic recipe features tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth with deep flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 medium red potatoes, cut into chunks
  • 3 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Optional: ½ cup red wine

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Toss them in the flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing each side until browned (about 3 minutes per side). Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and veggies start softening. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute to caramelize slightly.
  4. Pour in red wine (if using) or a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape with a wooden spoon and pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.
  5. Add the red potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until beef is fork-tender and broth slightly thickened.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, check the stew’s thickness. If too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the stew. Let it cook uncovered to thicken. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes

Searing the beef before slow cooking locks in juices and adds depth of flavor. Use cornstarch instead of flour for gluten-free thickening. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat. Uniformly chop vegetables for even cooking. Red wine is optional and can be replaced with extra broth or balsamic vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, easy beef stew, hearty stew, classic beef stew, cozy dinner, slow cooker recipe

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