Few meals are as comforting and satisfying as a hearty bowl of beef stew, and when it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that results in tender beef and flavorful vegetables. This old fashioned slow cooker beef stew recipe combines stew meat, robust vegetables, and savory broth, creating a warm and filling dish perfect for chilly days or when you want a no-fuss, home-cooked meal. With the slow cooker doing all the hard work, you’ll come home to a meal that’s ready to enjoy.
1. Old Fashioned Beef Stew Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Then, coat the beef cubes evenly with ¼ cup all-purpose flour. The flour will help give the meat a nice sear and thicken the stew as it cooks.
Step 2. Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the flour-coated beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. This step is optional, but it adds a rich depth of flavor to the stew.
Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Step 3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. If there are browned bits left in the pan from the beef, scrape them up as you sauté—these bits add even more flavor to the stew.
Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
Step 4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings
In the slow cooker, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and sliced celery. These hearty vegetables will add bulk to the stew and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Add the 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary to the slow cooker.
Step 5. Deglaze the Pan (If Using Wine)
If you’re using red wine, pour 1 cup of wine into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol.
Pour the wine into the slow cooker. If you’re not using wine, you can skip this step and proceed with adding the liquid.
Step 6. Add Broth and Tomato Paste
Pour 4 cups of beef broth into the slow cooker. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir everything together to combine. The tomato paste helps to thicken the broth and adds a subtle richness to the stew.
Step 7. Slow Cook the Stew
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The long cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender, and the vegetables to absorb all the flavors from the broth and seasonings.
About 30 minutes before the stew is done, check the liquid level. If it looks too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water.
Step 8. Add Frozen Peas (Optional)
If you’d like to include frozen peas, stir them into the stew 10-15 minutes before the cooking time is up. They’ll cook quickly and add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
Step 9. Serve and Garnish
Once the stew is done, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete, hearty meal.
2. Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Brown the Beef for Extra Flavor: While browning the beef is optional, it’s highly recommended. Searing the meat gives it a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the stew.
Use the Right Cut of Meat: Stew meat or chuck roast are the best cuts for slow cooker beef stew. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to break down during the long cooking process, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: To avoid mushy vegetables, cut them into larger chunks. This ensures they hold up during the long cooking time in the slow cooker.
Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it further.
3. Suggested Variations
This slow cooker beef stew is already delicious, but here are a few ways to customize it to your liking:
Add Mushrooms: For extra umami flavor, add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the other vegetables.
Sweet Potatoes: Swap out the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-dense stew.
Spicy Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
4. Suggested Pairings
This slow cooker beef stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can also pair it with a few simple sides to elevate the meal:
Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Mashed Potatoes: Serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
Green Salad: A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory stew.
Rice or Egg Noodles: For a different twist, serve the stew over rice or egg noodles.
With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the convenience of the slow cooker makes it an easy choice for busy days. Try this old fashioned slow cooker beef stew recipe the next time you need a cozy and satisfying dinner, and enjoy the delicious results!
