Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables and Red Wine

slow cooker beef stew - featured image

A comforting slow cooker beef stew featuring tender beef chuck, hearty root vegetables, and a rich red wine sauce. Perfect for cozy nights and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
  • 3 parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 cup dry red wine (such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot)
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Peel and chop carrots and parsnips into roughly 1-inch chunks. Dice the onion, mince garlic, and slice celery.
  2. Place the flour in a shallow bowl or plate. Toss the beef cubes in the flour until lightly coated.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until a deep golden crust forms, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. In the same skillet, add diced onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  5. Pour about 1 cup of red wine into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce and cook off alcohol.
  6. Transfer browned beef, sautéed vegetables, and wine mixture to the slow cooker. Add chopped carrots, parsnips, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
  7. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  9. If stew is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into stew. Cook uncovered for 15 more minutes to thicken.
  10. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Browning the beef before slow cooking adds essential flavor. Use low sodium broth to control saltiness. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. If stew is watery, thicken with cornstarch slurry or cook uncovered for 15 minutes. Red wine should be dry and a type you enjoy drinking. Slow cooker heat settings vary; check occasionally to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, beef stew recipe, comfort food, root vegetables, red wine stew, easy slow cooker meals