Description

This hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—tender chunks of beef simmered with carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs, all enveloped in a rich, savory gravy. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and makes for a satisfying main-course perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners.

Ingredients

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For the Stew

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional; substitute with more broth if desired)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves

For Thickening

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons water
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning beef, optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Beef (Optional): In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and brown the beef cubes in batches for extra flavor. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
Layer the Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly over the beef.
Add Liquids and Flavorings: Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
Thicken the Stew: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk flour with water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Recover and cook until the stew thickens, stirring occasionally.
Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For even richer flavor, brown the beef before adding to the slow cooker, but this step is optional.
You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or add parsnips for extra sweetness.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to four days and taste even better the next day!
Omit wine for an alcohol-free version—add more beef broth instead.
For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 370
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg