Slow-cooked beef stew with rich gravy, tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and peas in a bowl, garnished with fresh parsley.

Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Rich Gravy Recipe

by

Nothing beats a Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with rich, savory gravy that warms you from the inside out. This comforting dish features tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful gravy, perfect for cozy dinners. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or cooking it on the stove, this recipe is designed to create a thick, savory stew that is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with extra broth if preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced into thick chunks
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas, added at the end
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beef

  1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Toss the cubes in flour until evenly coated. This will help thicken the gravy later.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Brown the beef in batches, making sure all sides are seared well (about 3-4 minutes per side).
  3. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

  1. Pour in the red wine (or extra beef broth if you’re skipping the wine) and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  3. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Pour the deglazed mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Broth

  1. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker.
  2. Pour in the beef broth, and add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
  3. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Slow Cook

  1. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  2. The longer it cooks, the richer and more flavorful the gravy will be.

Step 7: Finish the Stew

  1. Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
  2. Stir in the frozen peas and let the stew cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve

  1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  2. Serve the hearty stew in bowls, ideally with crusty bread on the side or over mashed potatoes for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Helpful Tips:

  • Slow Cooker Tip: For a rich flavor, cook on low for the full 8 hours. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the gravy to thicken.
  • Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Wine Option: If you prefer not to use red wine, feel free to substitute with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Option: This stew can be made a day in advance. Let it cool and store it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove and serve the next day!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use beef brisket, round, or stew meat if you prefer, though chuck is the most tender and flavorful choice for slow-cooking.

Can I skip the wine?
Yes, the wine is optional. You can substitute it with additional beef broth for a richer flavor.

Can I make this on the stove instead of the slow cooker?
Absolutely! After searing the beef and adding all ingredients, simmer on low heat in a large pot for about 2-2.5 hours until the beef is tender.

Conclusion

This Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Rich Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that brings family and friends together around the table. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a thick, savory gravy, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or stove, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Leave a Comment