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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew for Chilly Fall Nights

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A rich, savory beef stew made in the slow cooker with tender chunks of chuck roast, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly fall nights, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe is budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional but highly recommended)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prep the beef (5 minutes): Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Let it sit at room temperature while you heat the pan, about 10 minutes.
  2. Sear the beef (15 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan, add the beef cubes in a single layer. Let them sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
  3. Cook the aromatics (5 minutes): Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Add the tomato paste and wine (3 minutes): Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up every last bit of goodness from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and reduce slightly. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
  5. Add the broth and seasonings (2 minutes): Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker. Add the minced anchovy fillets if using, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
  6. Cook low and slow (6-8 hours on low, 4-5 hours on high): Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. At this point, the beef should be fork-tender but still holding its shape. If it’s not quite there, let it go another 30 minutes to an hour.
  7. Add the vegetables (2 hours remaining): After the beef has cooked for 6 hours, add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir them in gently, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cover and continue cooking for another 1.5 to 2 hours on low, until the vegetables are tender but not falling apart.
  8. Finish with peas and adjust seasoning (5 minutes): Remove the bay leaves and herb stems. Stir in the frozen peas and let them warm through for about 5 minutes. Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you want a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for another 5 minutes until the broth thickens.
  9. Rest before serving (10 minutes): Let the stew sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the broth to thicken slightly.

Notes

For best results, sear the beef in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Add vegetables later in the cooking process to prevent them from turning to mush. The stew improves after a day in the fridge, so consider making it ahead. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, fall stew, comfort food, beef stew, easy dinner, meal prep, gluten-free

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-stew-for-chilly-fall-nights/