Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (2024)

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (1)

Rblair

Rating: 5 stars

06/24/2016

Made this tonight for friends and it was s huge hit!!! Everyone had seconds, the kids even loved it! Served with some country bread and wine...so delicious! Followed the recipe and added just a splash of worsteshire sauce...will keep this recipe to make again and again!!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (2)

JennSF

Rating: 4 stars

03/22/2014

My husband is SUPER picky about beef stews and crock pot recipes and he LOVED this! It tasted a little heavy on the red wine flavor, but we didn't mind. That's the only reason I didn't give 5 stars. My husband is low-carb so we left out the potatoes and subbed more carrots- I did use the flour but probably could use half the amount next time. I set it to high for 5-6 hours, then on low for an hour or so more. It's a keeper!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (3)

Jaimem03

Rating: 5 stars

02/09/2014

The only beef stew I ever cook!!! I use dry thyme and cut out the peas but everything else I keep to par! My boyfriend is a trainer and loves hardy stuff and he asks for this on a regular basis! I pair it with a nice glass of red wine and broil crunchy bread with butter and serve!!! It makes my mouth water... It's in my crock pot as I write!!!!!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (4)

Carmel2377

Rating: 5 stars

10/18/2013

This was far and away my favorite beef stew recipe! My family didn't go back just for seconds but thirds too! I added some corn and garlic powder (personal preference) and followed the rest of the recipe to the letter. This was absolutely delicious!!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (5)

GoneSewing

Rating: 5 stars

05/16/2013

I have been doing this recipe for a few months now and it is just amazing. It is my go-to recipe when I have a busy day and don't have any time to cook. I don't brown the meat, just put it in and cover with a bit of flour. I also use a bouillon container (the concentrated stuff) instead of a broth. I also put in a bit of paprika and this reminds me of the amazing swiss steak my mom makes ;). I also use a lot less salt. I serve it with fresh bread and top with a bit of shredded cheese. And like a previous review said I cook it for a lot longer to make sure the meat is tender (I skip the wine part too).

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (6)

goldengirl1

Rating: 4 stars

01/21/2013

This is the best beef stew recipe I have made in a while. My husband loved it!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (7)

Janewensley

Rating: 4 stars

01/12/2013

Really tender and hearty. Cooked all day on low in the slow cooker. Didn't add peas, just carrots, potatoes and added mushrooms.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (8)

Dean4033

Rating: 4 stars

11/09/2012

Very simple and tasty. Will make agin.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (9)

Beaker30

Rating: 4 stars

11/05/2012

I jazzed it up a bit, I must admit. I looked at the seasonings and knew it needed more. I made half the recipe (just me this week) and doubled the seasonings--threw in herbs d'provence, as well as thyme, cracked pepper and some parsley. Salted and peppered meat as well before I started. And it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Beautiful (added green beans too) and savory. Perfect for a fall night alone or with family/friends.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (10)

chark86

Rating: 5 stars

03/24/2012

I simplified the preparation by skipping the browning on the stove. I just put everything except the peas in the crock pot and cooked it on low for about 8 hours, putting the peas in for the last hour. I left out the flour and olive oil (no longer needed). I also changed a few ingredients for personal taste. The meat comes out very tender and it tastes great.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (11)

NellyG

Rating: 4 stars

02/22/2012

This was a great dinner. Added cauliflower in the pot as well as mushrooms at the end and extra broth. Will definitely make again!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (12)

NativeTexan

Rating: 4 stars

02/17/2012

This will be one of my two favorite stew recipes. My family enjoyed it--even my kids, who are not usually thrilled with stew.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (13)

Mamato2

Rating: 4 stars

11/17/2011

so yummy with fresh butter on crusty bread!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (14)

DenverGirl

Rating: 3 stars

11/08/2011

This was good and had great flavor but I must've done something wrong because this stew had almost no sauce consistency to it at all. I was expecting a little bit of broth or juice to sop up with crusty bread but all of the juices were absorbed by the meat, potatoes, etc during cooking in the crock pot. I will add extra broth next time.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (15)

GailWJ

Rating: 3 stars

10/31/2011

I've found out that I'm not a big fan of tomato paste in stew. Tomato paste was over powering. Otherwise, this was pretty good.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (16)

Cellia

Rating: 4 stars

10/31/2011

This stew is delicious and easy to make! My family loved it. I did add garlic powder, cut the tomato paste in half and added mushrooms, tho. It's a keeper!

Rating: 4 stars

07/20/2011

This had really excellent flavor. I didn't use quite as much meat but I still used the rest of the ingredients to make a lot of sauce. I also left out the potatoes and placed the meat/carrots over egg noodles. I used chicken broth instead of beef just because it was what I had. We all enjoyed it, even my 1 and 3 year old. Also super easy to throw together at nap time and ready for dinner!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (18)

justanoli

Rating: 5 stars

07/11/2011

Fantastic stew. Maybe a little tomato heavy with the paste, but not so much it really messes with the taste. I might try replacing that with a thick beef gravy next time.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (19)

sarasane

Rating: 5 stars

02/18/2011

Loved this recipe! It's dark, rich and flavorful. I made it with pre-cut stew meat, red cooking wine and used dried thyme. I think next time I'll use Herbes de Provence. 11/13/11: This has become our favorite stew and the best recipe I've found on the site. I like more vegetables than called for so I double the carrots & potatoes, increase the beef stock to 3 cups (more luscious gravy!), and put a teaspoon of Herbes de Provence in the flour to coat the beef. I also find that it takes more like 5-6 hours on high to tenderize the meat and veggies.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (20)

Morrigan0905

Rating: 3 stars

01/23/2011

Good hearty recipe. I, however, am not a fan of tomato sauce, so that ingrediant had a negative affect in my view. I think it would be five stars if it were cooked with a gravy-like souce/soup. As is, it is excellent for those who love tomatoes.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (21)

SanDiegoJes

Rating: 4 stars

01/09/2011

I made this recipe last night for my family, it was a nice warm meal for a cold winter night. The prep in the morning took over thirty minutes which I wasn't really expecting but the result was pretty good. For as long as the stew cooked (7 1/2 hrs) I was expecting the meat to be more tender, other than that I was pretty pleased...people went back for seconds and requested the left overs for lunch. I served the stew with a crusty baked french baguette.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (22)

KatieLR

Rating: 2 stars

12/04/2010

I made it exactly according to the directions and found it pretty bland.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (23)

Janice424

Rating: 2 stars

08/27/2010

Thought this would be good. In reality, it tastes bland besides the wine which overpowers the broth. I say broth, because the consistency came out nothing like a stew. Don't know how others got it to come out so well. This needs more seasoning, possibly adding linguica to add more depth of flavor. Would not make again.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (24)

RamblinRose

Rating: 4 stars

02/28/2010

Very tasty, but all the prep work defeats the purpose of using the crock pot. I expect a crock pot recipe to be quick and easy - this took the whole morning. It also needed to be served over something. I used rice and then pasta when we had leftovers and both worked well. Would only make it again if I had lots of time to fiddle in the kitchen!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (25)

EllenFL

Rating: 5 stars

02/02/2010

The beef stew recipe I've been looking for. Really good. Not sure why my carrots weren't done on low for 71/2 hours tho. Maybe something with my cooker?

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (26)

kellergirl

Rating: 3 stars

01/08/2010

Good, solid recipe. Perfect for this cold weather. Husband liked, will make again. Did not add tomato paste. Did add frozen corn at the end. Definitely better 2nd day. Might use less potato next time, or add some sweet potatoes. Also think green beans would be good. Will add more carrot next time, too.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (27)

corinneja

Rating: 5 stars

11/13/2009

Both my husband and I (and our guest) found this recipe incredible. The only thing we changed was the meat - we used elk instead of beef. It took me about 45 minutes to get into the slow cooker and I cooked it on high for 4 hours. I didn't bother thawing the peas before I tossed them in - frozen peas cook pretty quickly. This recipe was worth every second of prep and wait time! I served it with a loaf of french bread - perfect, and made excellent leftovers.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (28)

doodles

Rating: 5 stars

11/04/2009

Excellent! My husband loves beef stew and this recipe topped all. I did add some canned sliced mushrooms. Like all stews and soups..taste better the next day. I served warmed up corn bread and cole slaw.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (29)

oscotty78

Rating: 5 stars

10/25/2009

wow this was so tasty. I made this for me and my hubby so I cut the recipe in half. Nice flavor, sauce was perfect consistency and was so easy to make. I am a mom with a six month old so it was perfect. I served it over rice and had some rolls with it. I would make this again

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (30)

jmwagner

Rating: 3 stars

10/09/2009

great recipe! easy to throw together and let go in the slow cooker all day when you have a busy schedule...

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (31)

EmRem24

Rating: 4 stars

09/14/2009

I halved this and cooked it on low for 8 hours. Subbed ketchup for tomato paste (was out), used shredded carrots instead of baby, and added a can of diced tomatoes with garlic and quartered baby bellas. I used a can of corn at the end instead of peas. Delicious. Good flavor and thick brown gravy.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (32)

ywacker

Rating: 5 stars

06/24/2009

The recipe was easy to make and delicious!

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (33)

GoTigers

Rating: 4 stars

12/11/2008

The best beef stew ever. We've tried several different recipes over the years and this is the one to keep. Added a little balsamic with the wine. The taste was rich a hearty.

Slow-Cooker Recipe: Classic Beef Stew Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good beef stew? ›

The best beef stews are made with the right cut of meat, like chuck roast, brisket or round. Leaner cuts (which are good for the grill) lack the connective tissue that turns into gelatin as it cooks. That keeps the meat juicy and tender while also thicken and enriching the stew.

What can I put in my beef stew to make it taste better? ›

Vegetables: small chopped carrots, celery, and onion or shallot practically melt into the sauce. Mushrooms: button mushrooms are a nod to the quartered mushrooms many classic beef stew recipes call for, but are thinly sliced instead of being left in bigger pieces. Garlic: minced garlic brings lots of cozy flavor.

Should stew be covered with liquid in slow cooker? ›

If your slow cooker is 3/4 full, no extra liquid is required. However, if you're cooking a smaller amount of food, add 1-2cm of liquid in the bottom of the slow cooker bowl to ensure there's enough liquid for cooking. Don't add too much liquid, because as the food cooks, it produces its own liquid.

How to make the perfect beef stew and the common mistakes to avoid? ›

Always sear your meat before you add the liquid and vegetables. A caramelised sear is essential to the flavour profile of a good stew, adding a rich undertone that you just won't get by throwing in the meat in its raw state. You want the stew to be slightly thickened, but not gloopy.

What is the basic stew formula? ›

The Ideal Stew Ratio: Two Parts Meat, One Part Vegetable

Most meat-based stews call for tough, inexpensive cuts of meat, while vegetarian recipes include the same onions, carrots, and celery typical of a beef stew. Two parts meat to one part vegetables is the perfect ratio for a meaty stew.

What can you add to stew to give it more flavor? ›

Paprika. Use regular or hot paprika if you want a little warmth and Smoked Paprika if you're after more of a barbeque style smoky flavour. Chilli and paprika work well with tomato based dishes where as herbs work best with gravy based stews.

How do you deepen the flavor of stew? ›

Add the wine and tomato paste to the onions and other aromatics in a pan before slow cooking. Plus, this helps to really deglaze any fond that's left. This ingredient is one that your mum and nan would probably use in their stews. It adds a bit of tang, sweetness and savoury spices that give an extra punch of flavour.

Why does my beef stew have no flavor? ›

Not browning the beef enough would be the first possible problem. That adds a lot of flavour to the finished stew. You can toss the beef in seasoned flour before browning it which will also help thicken the stew. Not adding enough seasoning would be the second potential issue.

What vegetables can you add to beef stew? ›

Although I added carrots, little red potatoes, rutabaga and cremini mushrooms, you have plenty of options. Parsnip, turnip, pearl onions, squash and fennel will also work. Stir them in gently and immediately return the pot to the oven for the final hour of cooking.

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in crockpot? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

What is the best liquid for stew? ›

But no one said that the main liquid should be water. Ideally, you'll use beef stock, but beef broth is fine too. Veal stock would be divine. Instant bouillon paste will add flavor and is perfectly acceptable.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

When should I add vegetables to beef stew? ›

Follow this tip: Add hearty vegetables, like carrots, turnips, and potatoes halfway through cooking and layer the ingredients. If you plan to include delicate vegetables, like peas, wait to add them until a few minutes before taking the stew off the heat.

Should I add tomato paste to beef stew? ›

Do you need tomato paste for beef stew? We recommend using tomato paste for this recipe. Tomato paste adds crucial flavor and body to the stew meat when cooked with herbs, garlic and wine.

When should I add potatoes to stew? ›

The secret to tender and flavorful potatoes in your stew lies in low and slow cooking. Here's how you can achieve the best results: Add the potatoes to the stew during the last hour of cooking. This timing will prevent them from becoming mushy.

Why add vinegar to beef stew? ›

Forgetting the Acid. The paradox of beef stew is that all that braised goodness can be a little bit heavy on the palate. It's easy to forget to add some sort of wine, vinegar, or yes, even lemon juice, to brighten things up. Adding some fresh thyme in the last 30 minutes of cooking can help brighten things up as well.

How to make beef stew meat tender and juicy? ›

What is the best way to make beef stew meat tender and juicy? If you want to prepare beef stew meat that is both tender and juicy, the best way to cook it is by searing it on all sides in a hot skillet and then crumbling it on top of a lightly browned roux sauce for about 10 minutes.

What does red wine vinegar do to beef stew? ›

Vinegar & optional red wine - Use red wine vinegar and some red wine to give this stew a deep and rich sweet and savory flavor. The wine is optional and can be replaced with additional beef broth, but I do love the complexity it gives to this recipe.

Can I use red wine vinegar instead of red wine in beef stew? ›

The Best Substitute for Red Wine

Alcohol-free red wine. Beef broth. Chicken broth. Red wine vinegar (use ½ vinegar and ½ water for similar flavor results)

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