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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew with fork tender chunks, rich gravy, and root vegetables that simmer all day. Cozy winter dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 1.5 inch chunks
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more for the beef
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine or extra broth
  • 3 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves bay leaves
  • 4 medium carrots cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes cut into 1.5 inch chunks
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp cold water for the slurry
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. **Season.** Pat beef chunks dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  2. **Sear.** Sear beef in 2 batches, 2 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. **Soften.** Add remaining oil and onion to the same pan. Cook 4 minutes, then add garlic and tomato paste. Stir 1 minute.
  4. **Deglaze.** Pour in red wine and scrape the bottom clean. Pour everything into the slow cooker.
  5. **Layer.** Add beef broth, Worcestershire, thyme, bay leaves, carrots, and potatoes. Stir gently.
  6. **Cook.** Cover and cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours, until beef is fork tender.
  7. **Thicken.** In the last 15 minutes whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew. Cover and cook 15 minutes more until glossy. Discard bay leaves, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

Sear the beef in batches in a hot pan. Crowding equals steaming and gray meat. Use chuck roast cut into 1.5 inch chunks. Pre-cut stew meat is unreliable. Add a splash of red wine to deglaze the searing pan and scrape every browned bit into the slow cooker.