Description

Looking for a comforting, hearty dish that warms both body and soul? This Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew is a true classic, featuring tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with family and friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. The aroma of savory beef, fresh herbs, and simmering vegetables filling your home is an added bonus that will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean chuck beef, cubed and at room temperature
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• ½ 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
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Method

Begin by preparing the beef. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to pat the beef cubes dry, ensuring they’re at room temperature for even browning. Season the cubes generously with salt and pepper. Spread the flour on a small plate and lightly coat each piece of beef, shaking off any excess flour.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, brown the beef cubes on all sides. This step is key to building flavor, so take your time to achieve a nice golden crust. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker, ensuring all the flavorful juices from the skillet are added as well.

Add the sliced carrots, celery, roasted bell peppers, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), bay leaf, and thyme. Gently mix everything to combine, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly distributed.

Set the slow cooker to the low setting and cook for 6–8 hours. During this time, the beef will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld into a rich, savory stew. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Serve the stew hot with crusty bread, buttered rolls, or over a bed of mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Tips and Conclusion

Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker broth, remove about ½ cup of the liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking and whisk it with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. Stir it back into the slow cooker and let it thicken as the stew finishes cooking.
Add More Veggies: Include parsnips, turnips, or peas for extra flavor and texture.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to coat the beef and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.
No Slow Cooker? Prepare this dish in a Dutch oven or heavy pot. After browning the beef, add the remaining ingredients, cover, and simmer on low heat for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.

This Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew is a true comfort food masterpiece, combining tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to develop while you go about your day. Serve it with warm bread or a simple salad, and you’ll have a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full hearts.

For more comforting dishes, try our classic Chicken Pot Pie or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. Share this recipe with friends and family—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave lasting memories around the dinner table!