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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Stew

slow cooker beef and vegetable stew - featured image

A rich, tender beef stew made with chuck roast, root vegetables, and red wine in a slow cooker. This set-it-and-forget-it comfort food features a glossy, thickened broth without the need for cornstarch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups (950ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) dry red wine (Cabernet or Merlot)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes and pat dry. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Place diced onions, minced garlic, and diced celery in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavor base.
  3. Add chopped carrots and potatoes on top of the aromatics. Sprinkle with dried thyme and rosemary.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste until dissolved. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
  5. Place bay leaves on top. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
  6. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the stew is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for 30 minutes to reduce.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best texture, sear the beef in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker to enhance flavor. If using Yukon Gold potatoes, they hold their shape better than Russets. Add delicate vegetables like peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking. The stew tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, beef stew, comfort food, chuck roast, root vegetables, easy dinner, meal prep