Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Experience the gratifying charm of our Slow Cooker Beef Stew—a chef-d’oeuvre that converges the flavorsome goodness of tender beef, hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs. This recipe is excellent, for those days when you long for a homemade feast.
Imagine this; a winter evening, with the scent of savory stew filling your home. It all began when I first tried out the Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe. The sheer delight on my husband’s and child’s faces as they savored each spoonful instantly made it a beloved family favorite. It has now become a tradition—an embrace in a bowl on chilly nights.
What makes this Slow Cooker Beef Stew truly exceptional?
Indulge in something extraordinary with our Slow Cooker Beef Stew—a captivating symphony of flavors that sets it apart from others. Picture succulent stew meat, seasoned and slow cooked, to melt in your mouth perfection mingling with the richness of high-quality cabernet sauvignon, Worcestershire and tomato paste. What truly makes this stew exceptional is how easy it is to prepare— 20 minutes of prep time and let the slow cooker work its magic over 4 hours transforming your kitchen into an oasis of aromas. You can also customize its thickness according to your preferences thanks to a cornstarch mixture. This isn’t simply a recipe; it’s, like an enriching encounter—an inviting hug of coziness a burst of taste and a joyous tribute to both uncomplicatedness and elegance, in each bowl.
What You Need To Make This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe?
Stew Meat: Meet the star of the show—our carefully selected stew meat. Picture it as the lead actor, marbled to perfection, promising a tender, juicy performance in every bite. This isn’t just any meat; it’s the heart of the dish, bringing richness and depth that will leave you craving an encore.
Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot): Now, let’s talk wine—because every good stew deserves a splash of sophistication. Whether it’s the robust notes of a high-quality cabernet sauvignon or the velvety touch of merlot, this ingredient adds a touch of class. Think of it as the storyteller, weaving tales of flavor that elevate your dining experience.
Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: Enter the golden wonders—baby Yukon gold potatoes. Imagine these little spuds as the supporting cast, contributing not just texture but a buttery magic that turns a simple stew into a comforting masterpiece. They’re the unsung heroes, making sure every spoonful is a delightful surprise.
Better Than Bouillon or Beef Bouillon Cubes: Think of Better Than Bouillon as the secret behind the scenes—a culinary wizardry that enhances the beefy goodness. Like a trusted backstage hand, it quietly works its magic, ensuring each sip of broth is packed with savory depth. It’s the unsung hero, making the ordinary extraordinary.
Tomato Paste: In comes the maestro, tomato paste! Not just a thickener, but the conductor of flavors. Picture it as the orchestra leader, bringing harmony to the dish with a touch of sweetness and acidity. It’s the small detail that transforms a simple stew into a symphony of taste.
Cold Water + Corn Starch (Optional): Now, for the thickening agents—cold water and cornstarch. They’re like the backstage crew, working quietly behind the scenes to ensure the stew hits all the right notes. Adjusting thickness is your director’s cut—tailoring the stew to your liking, because every bowl should be as unique as you are.
Gravy Master (Optional): And for the final touch—Gravy Master. This is the artist’s stroke, adding a touch of darkness for a visually captivating masterpiece. It’s the painter’s brush, enhancing the aesthetics and making your stew not just delicious but a feast for the eyes.
Steps To Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew:
Step 1: Cut the meat into 1-inch cubes making sure to remove any fat. Season it, with pepper, garlic salt and celery salt. Then coat it with flour.
Step 2: In a skillet heat up 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the meat in batches. Transfer it to the slow cooker.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 3: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Cook the onions for 5 minutes before adding the garlic. Give it a splash of wine to deglaze.
Step 4: Transfer the onion-garlic mixture into the slow cooker along with all the remaining ingredients except for peas, cornstarch mixture and 2 tablespoons of butter.
Step 5: Let it cook on low heat for 7½ to 8 hours or on high heat for around 3½ to 4 hours.
Step 6: Add peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. Remember to remove bay leaves and rosemary before serving.
Step 7: If you prefer a thick consistency you can mix together ¼ cup of water with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch gradually adding it to the stew.
Step 8: When ready to serve turn off the heat. Swirl in 2 tablespoons of butter, for a smooth finish. For a color you can also add Gravy Master if desired.
Tip:
To add a layer of flavor consider incorporating patience as your chef. Once the slow cooker has done its magic give the stew some time to cool down. Then refrigerate it overnight. This overnight rest will allow the flavors to blend and intensify transforming your Slow Cooker Beef Stew into a masterpiece. The day gently reheat it. Appreciate how time evolves the secret ingredient that heightens your dining adventure to new peaks. This expert tip spins a stew into a culinary experience—a rhythmic symphony of tastes that only enhances with time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I substitute the wine?
Of course! Although cabernet sauvignon adds a flavor you can opt for a merlot or beef broth as a non-alcoholic substitute.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors become more pronounced when reheated. You can make it a day ahead, for a delightful culinary experience.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Certainly! Just store them in sealed containers. They will stay good for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them simply reheat on the stovetop or, in the microwave.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lb. stew meat
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp celery salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3-6 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp cold butter separated
- 2 cups yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 c high-quality cabernet sauvignon merlot works as well
- 4 c beef broth
- 2 tsp Better Than Bouillon or 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 5 medium carrots cut into chunks, about 1-inch
- 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes halved or quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 c frozen peas
- 1/4 c Cold Water + 3 tbsp Corn Starch Optional
- 2-3 drops Gravy Master (Optional)- Adds an even richer darker color
Instructions
- Cut the meat into 1-inch cubes making sure to remove any fat. Season it, with a mixture of pepper, garlic salt and celery salt. Then coat the meat with all-purpose flour.
- Heat some olive oil (around 3 to 6 tbsp) in a skillet. Brown the meat in batches cooking each side for 45 seconds. Once browned transfer the meat to a slow cooker.
- In the skillet melt butter (1 tbsp). Sauté diced onions (2 cups) for 5 minutes until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. Then add minced garlic (4 cloves) to the skillet. Deglaze by adding a splash of wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Transfer this onion-garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the cooker except for peas, cornstarch mixture and cold butter (2 tbsp).
- Set your cooker on low heat for about 7½ to 8 hours or, on high heat for approximately 3½ to 4 hours until vegetables are tender and potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
- During the last phase of cooking (15 minutes) incorporate frozen peas (1 cup). Remember to remove bay leaves and rosemary stems before serving.
- If desired create a cornstarch mixture by adding water (¼ cup) into cornstarch (3 tbsp). Stir well before incorporating this thickening agent into your stew while stirring continuously until desired thickness is achieved.
- To complete the dish you should turn off the heat. Gently incorporate 2 tablespoons of butter. This will give it a luxurious texture.
- If you desire a deeper color you can enhance it by adding 3 drops of Gravy Master.
- Once prepared serve this masterpiece. Indulge, in the cozy and flavorful experience of your Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
