Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew is the perfect comfort food, especially when you’re looking for a low-effort yet delicious meal. Using a slow cooker.
you can let the ingredients simmer for hours, melding together into a rich, savory dish. This easy slow cooker.
beef stew recipe is simple to follow and yields tender, flavorful beef and vegetables that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
What makes this recipe even better is the hands-off nature of the slow cooker, allowing you to get on with your day while your meal cooks to perfection. With a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a delicious stew ready by the time you’re hungry.
Ingredients
To make this easy slow cooker beef stew, you will need:
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 ½ pounds beef, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
2 medium yellow onions, diced
1 fennel bulb, diced
4 carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch cubes
1 pound gold potatoes (baby Yukon gold), halved or quartered
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with kosher salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Add the beef to the skillet in batches to avoid overcrowding, and brown the meat on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the diced onions, fennel, and carrots for about 5 minutes.
or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef. Then, add the potatoes, beef broth.
Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Stir everything together to combine and ensure the beef is evenly coated with the broth mixture.
Cover the slow cooker and cook the stew on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, though the stew will be even better when cooked slowly on low heat.
Once the stew is cooked and ready to serve, remove the bay leaves and discard them. To thicken the stew
mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, tender goodness of this slow-cooked meal.
How to Make
To begin, season the beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, making sure each piece is well-coated. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
then add the beef in batches. Brown the beef on all sides, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Next, in the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the diced onions, fennel, and carrots for about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the cooked vegetables to the slow cooker with the browned beef.
Add the halved or quartered potatoes to the slow cooker, followed by the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaves.
Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed, and the beef is covered with liquid.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
If you need a quicker option, cook it on high for about 4-5 hours, but for the best results, low and slow is ideal.
After the stew has finished cooking, remove the bay leaves and discard them. To thicken the stew, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew.
Allow the stew to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, letting the cornstarch thicken the broth to a velvety consistency.
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Once it’s perfect, serve the stew hot and enjoy its rich, comforting flavors.
Variations
For a different flavor profile, try adding fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker.
These herbs will add depth and complexity to the stew’s flavor, complementing the beef and vegetables beautifully.
If you’re a fan of spicier dishes, you can include chili flakes or cayenne pepper in the seasoning for an extra kick.
Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level, and enjoy the heat it brings to the dish.
For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider using sweet potatoes instead of Yukon gold potatoes.
Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweet contrast to the savory beef and vegetables, providing a new flavor dimension to the stew.
For a heartier dish, you can also incorporate parsnips alongside the carrots and potatoes. Parsnips add a slightly nutty and sweet flavor to the stew, further enhancing its comfort food appeal.
If you prefer a gluten-free version, make sure to use a gluten-free beef broth and replace the cornstarch.
with arrowroot powder or another gluten-free thickening agent for the same rich consistency.
To make the stew even more filling, add a cup of frozen peas or green beans towards the last hour of cooking. This adds color and additional texture while enhancing the overall flavor of the stew.
For a vegetarian alternative, try using mushrooms and vegetables instead of beef. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth, and the result will be a delicious, plant-based stew that still offers plenty of heartiness and flavor.
Tips
To save time, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables ahead of time, then store them in the fridge overnight. The next day, just add everything to the slow cooker and set it to cook.
If you prefer a smoother, less chunky stew, you can purée part of the vegetables after cooking to create a creamy.
texture without using cream or butter. Simply blend some of the cooked vegetables in a blender, then return them to the slow cooker.
For an extra boost of flavor, add a dash of red wine when browning the beef. This will deglaze the pan and infuse the beef with a rich, savory taste that deepens the stew’s overall flavor.
If your stew looks too watery towards the end of cooking, add a bit more cornstarch slurry or let the stew cook uncovered for a while to allow the liquid to reduce and thicken.
To enhance the aroma of the stew, add bay leaves early in the cooking process, but be sure to remove them before serving, as their flavor can become too overpowering if left in too long.
Consider prepping your vegetables in advance to make the morning of cooking easier. Dice the potatoes, carrots, and onions, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to start.
If you like your stew more on the rich side, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top when serving.
These toppings can elevate the flavors and add extra creaminess to each bite.
Conclusion
This easy slow cooker beef stew recipe provides a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender beef
hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, making it an ideal dish for busy days or cozy weekends.
Try this recipe for your next family dinner or gathering, and enjoy a warm, flavorful stew that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!