There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty bowl of beef stew, especially when it’s packed with tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth. This Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something warm and satisfying. Using a slow cooker means that you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe.
Ingredients
For this robust and flavorful beef stew, you will need:
- 1 pound lean cubed chuck beef, at room temperature
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted bell peppers, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Coat the Beef: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed chuck beef with the all-purpose flour, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. This helps to thicken the stew as it cooks.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured beef cubes in batches, searing each side until they are golden brown. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the Vegetables: While the beef is searing, chop the carrots, celery, roasted bell peppers, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Once all the beef is seared and in the slow cooker, add the chopped vegetables and minced garlic on top.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) into the slow cooker over the beef and vegetables.
- Season: Add the bay leaf, thyme (either fresh sprigs or dried), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cook the Stew
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the beef to become incredibly tender.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir the stew occasionally to ensure even cooking and that all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Serve
- Check Seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the thick and chunky beef stew into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional beef broth.
- Thicker Stew: For an even thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference, such as parsnips, turnips, or peas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew ahead of time? Yes, this stew actually tastes even better the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze the beef stew? Absolutely! This beef stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this beef stew? This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over a bed of rice. It’s also delicious served with a side salad for a complete meal.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker? While not strictly necessary, searing the beef adds a depth of flavor and helps to lock in the juices, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make this stew keto-friendly and low-carb, you can omit the potatoes and use a low-carb thickening agent such as xanthan gum instead of flour. Additionally, ensure the beef broth and other ingredients do not contain added sugars or carbs.
This Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth creates a stew that’s both flavorful and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare and cooks to perfection in the slow cooker. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite recipe for those cold, cozy nights.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious beef stew. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience and any tweaks you made to the recipe. Subscribe to our blog for more mouth-watering recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!
