Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 2 ½ pounds stew meat
see notes
- 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons cold butter
separated
- 2 cups yellow onion
diced
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 cup high-quality cabernet sauvignon
merlot works as well. See notes.
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp better than bouillon
or 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 5 medium carrots
cut into ¼ inch cubes
- 1 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes
halved or quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 large branch rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup Cold Water + 3 tablespoons Corn Starch
Optional
- 2-3 drops Kitchen Bouquet Browning + Seasoning Sauce
Directions
- 1
Cut meat into 1-inch cubes, discard any large pieces of fat. Fat marbleized into the meat is fine!
- 2
Sprinkle beef with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Toss to coat. Sprinkle flour over the meat and toss again.
- 3
Heat 3 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat in batches, don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown on each side for 45 seconds. Add more oil if needed. Transfer to slow cooker.
- 4
Reduce heat to medium and melt 1 Tablespoon butter. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom of the pan, removing any brown remnants. This will give the soup lots of good flavor. If necessary, add a splash of wine to help loosen it. Transfer the onions/garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
- 5
Add all remaining ingredients except for the peas, corn starch mixture, and 2 tablespoons of cold butter.
- 6
Cook on low for 7 ½ to 8 hours or high for 3½ to 4 hours, until the vegetables are softened and the potatoes are fork tender.
- 7
Add the peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- 8
Optional: To thicken, combine ¼ cup COLD water with 3 Tablespoons of cornstarch. Slowly add it to the stew, stirring to incorporate. It will continue to thicken upon standing.
- 9
Turn off the heat. Remove the bay leaves and rosemary stem. Swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a smooth, velvety finish. This is a technique that chefs use called “Monter au Beurre”.Optional: Add 3 drops of Kitchen Bouquet for an even darker color.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
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About this Recipe
When the crisp air of fall and winter calls for ultimate comfort, nothing quite satisfies like a rich, hearty beef stew. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew delivers on all fronts, creating a deeply satisfying meal with minimal fuss that's perfect for chilly evenings.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is the magic of slow cooking, allowing tough cuts of beef to transform into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites. The judicious use of red wine, specifically a high-quality cabernet sauvignon or merlot, builds a profound depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish beyond ordinary.
Prepare for a comforting bowl filled with succulent beef, softened golden potatoes, sweet carrots, and tender peas, all swimming in a rich, savory broth infused with the aromatics of garlic, onion, bay leaves, and fresh rosemary. The low and slow cooking process ensures every ingredient is perfectly tender, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. You'll love how the robust flavors develop over time, making this a truly memorable dish that feels both elegant and effortlessly homey. A touch of Kitchen Bouquet Browning + Seasoning Sauce ensures a beautiful, appealing color.
Customization & Serving Suggestions
This versatile stew is forgiving and adaptable. While the recipe suggests cabernet sauvignon, a good merlot works beautifully for the same depth of flavor. If you're looking to modify the vegetables, consider adding different root vegetables that hold up well to slow cooking. The optional corn starch slurry provides a customizable thickness for your stew, letting you achieve your preferred consistency.
Serve this hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the rich sauce. It's an ideal meal for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests on a cold day, offering warmth and comfort in every spoonful.