Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of this Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection in a savory sauce. Adapted from two timeless stove-top recipes, this slow-cooked dish has garnered praise from family and friends alike. With its comforting warmth and deep flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread for a filling family meal that everyone will love.
6-8 servings
Servings
400
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
4 tablespoons (divided for browning beef and sautéing vegetables)
Beef Stew Meat
3 lbs (cut into chunks)
Onions
2 1/2 cups (chopped)
Leek
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
Red Wine
1 cup (for deglazing and flavor)
Beef Broth
1 cup (to add depth to the stew)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (with juices)
Carrots
3 medium (chopped)
Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes
2 large (diced)
Hoisin Sauce
1/4 cup (for sweetness and depth)
Water
1/3 cup (to balance flavors)
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon (or 1/3 cup fresh, chopped)
Dried Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (for flavoring)
Bay Leaves
2 (adds depth of flavor)
Garlic Cloves
3 (diced)
Cremini Mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (to thicken sauce if necessary)
Fresh Parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned beef cubes to the skillet.
2
Brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, then transfer it to the crock pot. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and onions, reducing the heat to medium. Sauté the onions until they become golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
3
Once the onions are ready, add them to the crock pot with the browned beef. In the skillet, quickly sauté the leeks until softened, about 2 minutes, then add them to the crock pot as well.
4
Pour in the red wine, followed by the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, hoisin sauce, water, and toss in the bay leaves.
5
Cover the crock pot and let it simmer on low for 4-5 hours or on high for about 2 hours.
6
After the initial cooking time, add the chopped carrots and diced potatoes along with the beef broth. Cook for an additional 2 hours.
7
In the last hour of cooking, add the sliced cremini mushrooms and continue cooking on low.
8
Once the stew is ready, uncover the crock pot and increase the heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens; if necessary, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the stew to reach the desired consistency.
9
Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
33g
Carbs
27g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
It is a rich and hearty meal combining tender chunks of beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, simmered in a savory sauce using a slow cooker.
How many servings does this beef stew recipe make?
This recipe yields 6-8 servings, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings.
What type of meat is recommended for this stew?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of beef stew meat cut into chunks.
Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the beef in olive oil for 5-7 minutes before adding it to the crock pot enhances the flavor of the stew.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
This recipe provides 27 grams of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this dish?
There are 33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I cook the stew on a low heat setting?
The initial simmer takes 4-5 hours on low, followed by an additional 2 hours after adding vegetables, plus 1 final hour for mushrooms.
Can I cook this beef stew on a high heat setting?
Yes, you can cook it on high for an initial 2 hours, followed by the additional cooking times for vegetables and mushrooms.
Why is hoisin sauce used in this beef stew?
Hoisin sauce is included to add a unique sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 large Yukon Gold or Red potatoes, diced.
When should I add the carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker?
Add the carrots and potatoes along with the beef broth after the initial 2-5 hour cooking period, then cook for another 2 hours.
At what point do I add the mushrooms?
Add the sliced cremini mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
How do I thicken the stew sauce?
You can thicken the sauce by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stirring it into the stew at the end.
Is red wine necessary for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of red wine for deglazing and flavor, which adds significant depth to the stew.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, for example, you can substitute the 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil with 1/3 cup of fresh, chopped basil.
Do I need to peel the leeks?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of finely chopped leek, which should be cleaned and prepared before sautéing.
Should the bay leaves be eaten?
No, you should remove and discard the bay leaves before serving the stew.
What should I serve with this beef stew?
It is best served warm with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
What type of mushrooms are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends 1 cup of sliced cremini mushrooms.
How much garlic is included in the stew?
The recipe calls for 3 diced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of the water in the recipe?
1/3 cup of water is used to help balance the intense flavors of the sauce.
Can I substitute the onions?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of chopped onions which provide the base flavor, but you could try other varieties like shallots if needed.
What is the best way to garnish the dish?
Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for a burst of color.
Is it okay to use canned tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe uses one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes including the juices.
How do I prepare the leeks for the stew?
Leeks should be finely chopped and quickly sautéed for about 2 minutes until softened before being added to the crock pot.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and bay leaves.
Can this be made on a weeknight?
Yes, while it has a long cook time, the slow cooker makes it an excellent choice for busy days.
What if the sauce is too thin after cooking?
Simply increase the heat and stir occasionally, or use the cornstarch slurry method to reach your desired consistency.