Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Description

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food! Tender, juicy beef is slow-cooked with hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, butternut squash, onions, and garlic in a rich, flavorful broth. Every bite is packed with delicious savory flavors, making this an easy and satisfying family dinner. Simply prepare the ingredients, add everything to your slow cooker, and let it cook until perfectly tender!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 lbs (1.5 kg) boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 cup red cooking wine (optional)

• 1½ cups beef broth

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, rinsed

• ½ butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with flour and toss until lightly coated.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Work in batches if necessary.

3. Prepare the Sauce

Add a little red wine to the same skillet and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer briefly. Add beef broth and tomato paste, then whisk until combined.

4. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Transfer the sauce into your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, baby potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, chopped onion, and garlic.

5. Season Everything

Add Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the remaining red wine if using. Stir gently to combine.

6. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 6–8 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

7. Check the Consistency

Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a little cornstarch mixed with cold water.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stew and serve warm.

Healthy Benefits

• Protein: Beef provides protein that supports muscle health.

• Iron and Vitamin B12: Beef contains important nutrients that help support normal energy metabolism and red blood cell production.

• Fiber: Carrots, potatoes, and butternut squash provide dietary fiber.

• Vitamin A: Carrots and squash contain beta-carotene.

• Vegetable Variety: This stew provides several vegetables in one satisfying meal.

Pro Tips

1. Brown the beef before slow cooking for deeper flavor.

2. Use beef chuck because it becomes tender during slow cooking.

3. Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

4. Avoid opening the slow cooker frequently because heat escapes.

5. For extra flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding them.

6. You can skip the red wine and use additional beef broth instead.

Frequency

• Enjoy this hearty stew as a satisfying lunch or dinner.

• It is a great option for weekly meal preparation.

• Include it as part of a balanced diet alongside fresh vegetables and other nutritious foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make beef stew without red wine?

Yes! Simply replace the red wine with additional beef broth.

Q: What is the best beef for slow cooker stew?

Beef chuck is an excellent choice because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

Yes! You can chop the vegetables and prepare the beef ahead of time. Refrigerate everything separately until ready to cook.

Q: Can I cook this recipe on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes! The original recipe suggests 6–8 hours on HIGH or 8–10 hours on LOW. Check that the beef is fork-tender before serving.

Q: How do I make the stew thicker?

Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the hot stew. Allow it to cook until thickened.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious beef stew with:

• Warm crusty bread or baguette.

• Steamed white or brown rice.

• Creamy mashed potatoes.

• Fresh green salad.

• Garlic bread.

• Roasted green beans.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable Beef Stew: Add celery, mushrooms, peas, or green beans.

2. Spicy Beef Stew: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.

3. Garlic Herb Beef Stew: Add extra garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

4. Gluten-Free Beef Stew: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

5. Low-Carb Beef Stew: Replace potatoes with cauliflower and add extra mushrooms and zucchini.

Related Recipe Ideas

1. Crock Pot Beef and Potato Stew

2. Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef

3. Classic Homemade Beef Stew

4. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

5. Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Beef

6. Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

7. Crockpot Pot Roast with Carrots

8. Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew

Final Thought

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is everything a comforting homemade dinner should be: tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare, full of delicious flavor, and perfect for sharing with family. Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal!