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Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

This Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender beef cubes, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this slow-cooked stew is easy to make and delivers deep, satisfying flavors. Whether served on its own or alongside crusty bread or mashed potatoes, it promises warmth and nourishment with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasonings

  • 2 ½ pounds of stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon celery salt
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Liquids and Fats

  • 3–6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons chilled butter (split)
  • 1 cup cabernet sauvignon or merlot wine
  • 4 cups beef stock

Flavor Enhancers

  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato concentrate
  • 2–3 drops Gravy Master (optional for deeper color)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 cups chopped yellow onions
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 5 medium carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 rosemary sprig
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Thickening Agent (Optional)

  • ¼ cup cold water mixed with 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Meat: Cut the stew meat into 1-inch cubes, discarding any large pieces of fat but keeping marbled fat intact. Season evenly with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Sprinkle flour over the beef and toss well to coat all pieces thoroughly.
  2. Sear the Meat: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown each side for about 45 seconds, adding more oil if needed. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
  3. Sauté the Onions and Deglaze the Pan: Reduce skillet heat to medium, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then add chopped onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in a splash of wine and scrape the skillet to deglaze, loosening all flavorful bits. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Cook the Stew: Add beef stock, beef bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato concentrate, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, rosemary sprig, and any remaining olive oil and butter (except for 2 tablespoons butter reserved for finishing) to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine. Cover and cook on low for 7½ to 8 hours or high for 3½ to 4 hours until vegetables are tender and meat is fork-tender.
  5. Add Final Ingredients and Thicken: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas. Remove bay leaves and rosemary sprig from the stew. For thicker broth, slowly stir in the cold water and cornstarch slurry, allowing it to thicken.
  6. Finish and Serve: Turn off heat and swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter to give the stew a smooth, velvety finish (Monter au Beurre). Optionally add 2-3 drops of Gravy Master for a deeper color. Serve hot with desired sides.

Notes

  • You can substitute the stew meat with chuck roast, bottom round, or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
  • For an alcohol-free version, replace wine with additional beef stock or grape juice.
  • Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option; use half the amount.
  • Extra herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance flavor when mushrooms or non-wine substitutions are used.
  • Beef stew is done when the meat is fork-tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding beef broth as needed to thin stew.
  • Serve with crusty bread, simple green salad, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, roasted Brussels sprouts, or steamed green beans for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, crockpot beef stew, slow cooker stew, hearty stew, comfort food, beef recipe, easy stew, crockpot recipe

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/wholesome-crockpot-beef-stew-recipe/