Mom’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Discover the ultimate slow cooker beef stew recipe that combines tender beef, rich wine-infused broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables for a comforting, family-friendly meal. Packed with bold flavors, this classic dish is ideal for cozy dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. Learn how to create this easy beef stew recipe with simple ingredients and a step-by-step guide. Customize it with your favorite veggies, or make it gluten-free and alcohol-free with easy substitutions. Serve it alongside crusty bread or warm biscuits for a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 pounds beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (approximately 2 ½ pounds after trimming)
• Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

For the Stew Base:

• 1 ½ cups beef broth (or beef bone broth)
• 1 cup dry red wine (or substitute with additional beef broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables:

• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into chunks
• 4 large carrots (or 5 medium), peeled and cut into ½-inch diagonal slices
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes

To Thicken:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup beef broth (reserved from the slow cooker)

For Final Touches:

• 1 cup frozen peas

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Instructions

Sear the Beef:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear for about 5 minutes per batch until browned. Transfer the seared beef to a 6- or 8-quart slow cooker.

Assemble the Stew Base: 2. In the slow cooker, combine the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.

Add Vegetables: 3. Add the minced garlic, onion chunks, carrots, and diced potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. (For the most tender beef, cooking on low is recommended.)

Thicken the Stew: 4. Remove 1 cup of the broth from the slow cooker and transfer to a medium bowl. Whisk in ¼ cup flour until smooth and free of lumps. Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well.

Finish the Stew: 5. Add the frozen peas and cook uncovered on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the stew thickens slightly.

Serve: 6. Ladle the beef stew into bowls and serve with toasted French bread, cornbread, crackers, or biscuits. Enjoy! Serves 6.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The slow-cooked beef, wine-infused broth, and perfectly seasoned vegetables create a stew bursting with comfort and warmth.
• Easy to Prepare: Minimal effort required with a slow cooker doing the hard work for you.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prepping.

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Tips

• Searing the Beef: Searing enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step for the best results!
• Vegetable Prep: Keep vegetables evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Thickening: If the stew isn’t thick enough, add another tablespoon of flour to the reserved broth and whisk before mixing back in.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Alternatives: Try lamb or pork for a different twist.
• Vegetables: Swap in parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes.
• Dairy-Free Option: No adjustments needed—this stew is naturally dairy-free!
• Alcohol-Free: Replace red wine with additional beef broth or apple cider.

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FAQs

Can I make this beef stew ahead of time?
Yes! Beef stew tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, Yukon gold potatoes have thin, tender skins that don’t need peeling. However, you can peel them if preferred.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty French bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Top with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

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Enjoy the hearty flavors and comforting aroma of this family-favorite beef stew!