There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of hearty stew on a cold winter’s day. This classic beef stew recipe is the perfect comfort food, packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this delicious and satisfying stew.
Hearty Tomato Beef Stew
As the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty stew. This hearty slow cooker beef stew is the perfect dish to warm you up from the inside out. Packed with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich, tomato-based sauce, this slow-cooked masterpiece is sure to satisfy. Let the stew simmer all day in the slow cooker, filling your home with delicious aromas.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds lean beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables:
- 1 (16-ounce) bag of frozen pearl onions or 1 onion chopped
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
How To Make
Step 1:
Slicing and Seasoning the Beef. Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into evenly sized cubes, pre-cut stew beef can be subsituted. This ensures even cooking and tender results. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, then coat it in flour to help create a flavorful crust.
Step 2.
Step 2: Browning the Beef. Browning the beef is a crucial step in developing rich flavor. Add olive oil to a skillet. Sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet until they are browned on all sides. This caramelization process adds depth to the stew. Add to your slow cooker.
Step 3.
Sauteing the Vegetables: In the same skillet add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic and saute for 5 minutes on medium heat. Sauteing the vegetables softens them and releases their natural sweetness. The aromatic vegetables form the foundation of the stew’s flavor profile. If you are pressed on time you can skip this step and add the raw vegetables to the slow cooker.
Step 4.
Combining the Ingredients: Transfer the sauteed vegetables to your slow cooker and add the cubed pototoes.
Step 5.
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, herbs, and spices: Stir to combine all of the ingredients. Let your slow cooker do the work! Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to meld together.
For a Thicker Stew: To thicken your stew, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. Slowly pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the desired thickness is reached.
Step 6.
Serving: Once the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked, your stew is ready to serve. Remove the bay leaf. Add addtional salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the stew into bowls. Serve with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious broth.
This hearty beef stew is the epitome of comfort food. Its rich, savory broth, tender beef, and hearty vegetables will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a chilly evening or entertaining guests, this slow-cooker recipe is sure to be a hit. So next time you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal, turn to this classic beef stew recipe.
xo, Jennifer
top slow cooker picks
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy night in. Learn how to make this classic recipe and enjoy the warmth of every spoonful.
Ingredients
- For the Beef:
- 2 pounds lean beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Vegetables:
- 1 (16-ounce) bag of frozen pearl onions or 1 onion chopped
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- For Thickening the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Slice chuck roast into 1 1/2-2 inch cubes. Season beef with salt and pepper and toss in flour.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to a slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
To thicken your stew at the end, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. Slowly pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the desired thickness is reached.
Notes
If pressed on time you can skip sautéing the vegetables and add the raw vegetables to the slow cooker.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 345Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 636mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 40g
This looks so delish and one Big Al would love! You should come over and make it for us. LOL
On my way!! Next stop The D.
Jennifer, this stew looks delicious. That slow cooker you featured is the best! I have it and absolutely love it. Highly recommend snagging it if anyone needs a good slower cooker.
OOOh, that’s good to know!!