The Ultimate Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a hearty slow cooker classic beef stew brings warmth and comfort to chilly evenings.

Tender chunks of meat melt into rich, savory broth with minimal kitchen effort.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into a deeply satisfying meal.

Fragrant herbs and root vegetables create layers of robust flavor that simmer gently throughout the day.

Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully tender, this stew promises a delicious experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this uncomplicated yet delectable recipe that celebrates home-style cooking.

Why Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew Is A Winner

• Savor Comfort Cooking: A hearty beef stew that delivers pure comfort with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal.
• Hands-Off Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, transforming tough meat into tender, flavorful bites without constant monitoring.
• Nutrition-Packed Meal: Loaded with protein-rich beef and colorful vegetables, this one-pot wonder provides a balanced, wholesome dinner that keeps everyone feeling full and nourished.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs, this classic stew works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prepping.

Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew Must-Have Ingredients

• Beef Stew Meat: A tender cut perfect for slow cooking and absorbing rich flavors.

• Flour: Helps coat the meat and thicken the stew.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Bay Leaf: Provides a subtle herbal undertone.
• Paprika: Contributes a warm, slightly sweet pepper flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy and umami complexity to the stew.

• Onion, Potatoes, Carrots, Celery: Classic combination that adds hearty texture and natural sweetness to the stew.

• Beef Broth: Creates a savory base and helps tenderize the meat during slow cooking.

Cooking Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew Simply

Step 1: Prepare Hearty Beef Base

In a mixing bowl, toss beef chunks with a seasoned flour blend to create a delicious protective coating. The flour will help seal in juices and create a rich, velvety texture for your stew. Sprinkle in your favorite spices to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.

• Beef stew meat
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Step 2: Layer Aromatic Ingredients

• Minced garlic
• Bay leaf
• Paprika
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chopped onions
• Beef broth

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetable Medley

• Diced potatoes
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped celery

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 10-12 hours for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness
• High setting: 4-6 hours for quicker preparation

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaf and give the stew a gentle stir. Ladle into warm bowls and savor the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade beef stew.

Practical Tips For Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew

• Dust beef chunks thoroughly with seasoned flour to create a delicious golden crust that helps seal in flavors and thickens the stew naturally.
• Choose chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results that become incredibly soft during slow cooking.
• Cut vegetables into uniform, chunky pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent smaller pieces from turning mushy during the long cooking process.
• Enhance depth of flavor by deglazing the meat-searing pan with a splash of broth or red wine, scraping up those delicious browned bits to add to the slow cooker.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, and the stew often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld and develop.

Change It Up With Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew

• Mediterranean Beef Stew: Replace paprika with oregano and add chopped olives, diced tomatoes, and a splash of red wine for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Beef Stew: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, green chilies, and serve with corn tortillas for a zesty Tex-Mex version.
• Root Vegetable Harvest Stew: Swap standard vegetables with parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips, adding rosemary for an earthy autumn feel.
• Asian-Inspired Beef Stew: Use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire, add ginger, star anise, and finish with sesame oil for a rich, complex taste.

Perfect Matches For Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew

• Elevate Rustic Richness with Red Wine Pairing: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the hearty beef stew, enhancing its deep, savory flavors with bold wine undertones.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the delicious stew broth, adding delightful texture and absorbing the rich, meaty juices.
• Brighten with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives to cut through the stew's heaviness, providing a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Comfort Drink Sidekick: Pair with a mug of dark beer like Guinness or a craft stout, which mirrors the stew's deep, warming qualities and complements its robust meat profile.

How To Store Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew Well

• Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 4-6 months. Potatoes might slightly change texture but will still taste delicious.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Heat until the stew reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQ For Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Yes, chuck roast or bottom round work great as alternatives to stew meat, providing similar tenderness and flavor.

• Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding to the slow cooker?

Browning the meat first adds extra depth of flavor, but it’s optional. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step without significantly impacting the taste.

• How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?

Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then stir into the stew during the last hour of cooking. This will help create a thicker, more hearty consistency.

Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes to 12 hours 15 minutes (Low) or 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (High)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef stew perfection emerges from this classic slow cooker recipe, promising rich, comforting flavors that simmer slowly to tender, mouthwatering goodness. Generous chunks of beef, root vegetables, and robust seasonings blend into a soul-warming meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) beef broth

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dredge beef chunks in seasoned flour, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the powdery mixture.
2. Transfer the floured meat into the slow cooker, creating an initial layer at the bottom of the ceramic vessel.
3. Mince fresh garlic and sprinkle over the meat, followed by crumbling a fragrant bay leaf for aromatic depth.
4. Dust the surface with vibrant paprika, then drizzle Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory profile.
5. Roughly chop onions and distribute them across the meat, creating a robust flavor foundation.
6. Carefully pour beef broth into the slow cooker, ensuring it covers approximately half the meat layer.
7. Dice potatoes, carrots, and celery into uniform chunks, then nestle these hearty vegetables around and between the meat pieces.
8. Cover the slow cooker and set to Low temperature, allowing the stew to gently simmer and tenderize for 10-12 hours.
9. Alternatively, if time is limited, cook on High setting for 4-6 hours until meat becomes fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
10. Once cooking is complete, remove bay leaf, stir gently, and serve the rich, comforting stew in deep bowls.

Notes

• Select well-marbled chuck roast for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that becomes incredibly soft during slow cooking.
• Dust meat lightly with seasoned flour to create a delicious golden crust and help thicken the stew’s rich sauce naturally.
• Chop vegetables into similar-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the hearty stew.
• Consider replacing beef with chicken or plant-based protein for alternative dietary preferences without compromising the comforting flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 hours (Low) or 4-6 hours (High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 347 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg