This Slow Cooked Beef Stew is a rich and hearty chilly weather dish guaranteed to warm you to the core. It’s a one-dish meal packed with vegetables that’s certain to satisfy the most picky eaters. Serve it with a side of bread for dipping or a scoop of saffron rice so, you won’t lose a drop of the flavorful gravy.
Slow Cooked Beef Stew
Beef stew is naturally hearty in nature, and tends to be one of my featured slow cooker dishes when the weather turns cold. Today, I’m using cubes of chuck roast because it was on sale and slow cooking makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. However, stew beef is a bit leaner, and of course, works perfectly for slow cooking, too. This is one of those moments that it pays to have a great relationship with the butcher at your local butcher shop or grocery store, so, they can help you out by cutting the meat into cubes for you. When chuck roasts or stew beef go on sale, that’s when I tuck a pack of these delectable cubes into my freezer for a rainy day pot of stew.
Tips for Making Beef Stew in Slow Cooker
- This recipe was made in a 6 quart slow cooker so, the times are adjusted to that shape appliance. You may cook this in any size slow cooker that you have. Know how your appliance cooks and adjust the cook time accordingly.
- I know the appeal of slow cooking is no fuss. I completely understand I feel the same way. That said, there is a depth of flavor that comes with taking a few minutes to brown the beef prior to slow cooking.
- This recipe is made with chuck roast. You may, of course, use stew beef, if preferred.
- Serve this beef stew alone with garlic bread for dipping, over a slice of buttered cornbread, or with a scoop of saffron rice as pictured. This beef stew is also delicious served with a generous helping of cheddar grits.
Browning the Meat Adds Depth of Flavor
I recommend when you’re preparing this stew that you go the extra mile and brown the meat cubes prior to slow cooking the stew. It’s well worth the small amount of effort and adds a layer of flavor you’d miss otherwise. I like to serve this with a scoop of rice, and a sprinkle of parsley, but, a close favorite would also be to serve it over egg noodles, I always have a basket of crusty garlic bread to dip in the rich gravy.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
- 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Onion/Vegetable Chopper
- Serving Set
- Insulated Slow Cooker Travel Case and Carrier
Slow Cooked Beef Stew
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb cubed chuck roast or stew beef
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp meat or steak seasoning [*See cook's note] i.e. Meat Magic
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- olive oil
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz sliced baby portabella mushrooms
- 1 rib celery thinly sliced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp meat or steak seasoning blend [*See cook's note]
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne [optional]
- 1 lb peeled baby carrots
- 1 medium sweet onion sliced into wedges
- 10 small red potatoes halved
- 1 1/2 cups beef stock
- garlic salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together flour, meat/steak seasoning, garlic salt and paprika.
- Place cubed beef in a large plastic storage bag with flour mixture. Shake until coated on all sides. Coat the pieces of meat with the seasoned flour on all sides.
- In a large skillet, brown flour coated beef in a few drizzles of olive oil over medium-heat on all sides. Work in batches if needed. Arrange the meat onto the bottom of the slow cooker.
- To the pan add the Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan scraping any brown bits off the bottom. Add mushrooms, celery, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of meat seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and cayenne, if using.
- Add salt and black pepper to your taste. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan, then add 1 1/2 cups of beef stock. Mix well, remove from the heat.
- Arrange the carrots and onion over meat cubes in slow cooker. Season additional garlic salt, black pepper and meat/steak seasoning.
- Pour the broth and mushrooms over the top. Place lid firmly on top.
- Cook on high for 1 hour then add the red potatoes. Continue to cook on high for an additional 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10. Stir well before serving.
- Serve hot with rice, grits or cornbread, if desired.
Notes
To season the beef, I recommend using Chef Paul Prudhomme's Meat Magic. You may also use your favorite steak seasoning.
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Hi, thanks for stopping by to visit my website My name is Melissa, I’m a busy Mom, author, recipe developer, photographer, food writer and blogger. I’m passionate about creating delicious dishes to share with family and friends!
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Linda says
Melissa, I still haven’t bought a slow cooker, but I’m gonna try this recipe on my stove top. Think it will work? I love the seasonings you use:)
Melissa says
Hi Linda!! It wil most certainly work on the stove top especially well in a dutch oven, which could then be transferred to your oven. Finish it off there at about 325 degrees until the meat is fork tender. [Probably around 2 1/2-3 hours] Thanks for stopping by ~ Melissa
morchella says
Sounds good, we gonna make this Saturday . Got guest coming and with good Italian Bread and a salad it should fill their bellies.
Melissa says
Morchella, that sounds like a winner! Enjoy, Melissa
Anonymous says
Melissa…what slow cooker do you recommend? My daughter in law is gluten free…do you think I can leave off the flour part? Thanks!
Tricia Tucker says
use corn starch instead of flour.
Melissa says
Sure you can if you prefer.
Melissa says
I’m using a Hamilton Beach 6 quart programmable right now. I’ve used Crock Pots too, of course, but, I love this Hamilton Beach. As far as the flour, you could leave it off, and brown the meat in salt & pepper. Your sauce won’t be quite as thick since the flour is the thickening. Perhaps, thicken with something she can tolerate? Hope this helps!
Alicia Clinton says
Feels like a stupid question, but what about a pork roast? Would it cook the same, same seasonings? We have a bunch of it and I need to find something other then pulled pork or spiced pork for sandwiches.
Melissa says
Hi Alicia! Not stupid at all, in fact, I’m at bit intrigued. ☺ I haven’t done it, but, I would imagine it would be fantastic as a stew, perhaps taking a bit less time to cook. [I’d recommend checking it around the 6 hour mark] You could also, cut the pork roast into 1″ slices and cook it like pork chops, as well in the slow cooker. Hope this helps!
angela lawrence says
What is the meat seasoning?
Melissa says
Angela you could use your favorite steak seasoning or a blend called “Meat Magic” by Chef Paul Prudhomme available on the spice aisle in most grocery stores.
Evelyn says
I want to make the stew but forgot 1 ingredient at the store the worcestershire sauce. 🙁 how much of an impact will it make on the taste if I dont use it?
Melissa says
Evelyn, no worries you can leave it out or try a splash of soy or teriyaki sauce in it’s place.
Evelyn says
Thank you!
Connie says
Is beef stew really a southern food?? I am trying to create a menu for my daughter’s bridal shower which is a southern theme. I would love your input.
Melissa says
Hi Connie, beef stew is super popular in the South so, you can comfortably include it on your menu. I also have a braised beef stew recipe you can see it here.