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Hey there, friend.
If the weather has you reaching for your thickest socks and that one oversized hoodie you basically live in all winter—then you and I are on the same page. Cold days call for one thing, and one thing only: a big pot of hearty, soul-warming stew.

And not just any stew. I’m talking about the kind of stew that simmers low and slow all day while the house fills with the most mouthwatering aroma. The kind that practically hugs you when you walk through the door. That’s the kind of comfort we’re making today. 💛

This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is one of my absolute go-tos. It’s rich. It’s rustic. It’s ridiculously easy. And it tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen—even though the slow cooker is doing the real work.

🧤 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Stew

Let me give you a few delicious reasons why this stew always makes the short list when the temps drop:

Set it and forget it. That Crockpot does all the heavy lifting—no babysitting required.
Layers of flavor. A little red wine, a packet of onion soup mix, and golden-seared beef give this stew a deep, savory richness.
Incredibly tender beef. The low-and-slow method turns even budget-friendly stew meat into fork-tender bites.
Perfect texture. Thick, hearty broth + chunky potatoes + sweet carrots = stew perfection.
Feeds a crowd. Or keeps your fridge stocked with leftovers for days. (Even better the next day, by the way.)

Whether it’s a snowy Sunday or a busy weeknight when you just want to come home to something comforting, this stew’s got you.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 12)

Here’s everything you need to bring this bowl of coziness to life:

🥩 Main Ingredients:

3 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
¼ cup all-purpose flour, plus **2 tbsp for thickening later
½ tsp salt (or more, to taste)
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
3 onions, sliced
¼ cup red wine (optional but highly recommended!)
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup baby carrots
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp black pepper

🧅 Flavor Boosters:

2 cups boiling water
1 packet dry onion soup mix (1 oz)

For the Slurry:

¼ cup warm water
2 tbsp flour

🧑‍🍳 Chef Tip: Don’t skip the red wine! It’s a total flavor elevator. If you’d rather skip the alcohol, just swap in beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Let’s get to the cozy stuff! Here’s how this stew comes together like a dream:

✅ Step 1: Coat & Brown the Beef

Toss your stew meat with ¼ cup flour and ½ tsp salt in a large zip-top bag or bowl until evenly coated.

Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Working in batches (don’t crowd the pan), brown the meat on all sides. This isn’t just about color—it’s about building deep flavor. Transfer each batch to the slow cooker once browned.

Yes, it’s an extra step. Yes, it’s worth it.

✅ Step 2: Sauté Those Onions

In the same pan, melt 3 tbsp butter and sauté the sliced onions until soft and just starting to caramelize. This should take about 8–10 minutes.

Scrape up all those golden bits on the bottom of the pan while the onions cook—they’re full of flavor!

Add onions to the slow cooker.

✅ Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour ¼ cup red wine into the skillet and scrape up anything stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Then pour that winey goodness straight into the slow cooker. That’s where the depth of flavor really kicks in.

✅ Step 4: Add the Veggies & Seasoning

Now toss in:

Potatoes
Carrots
Dried parsley
Black pepper

Mix the onion soup mix into 2 cups of boiling water, then pour that over everything in the slow cooker.

At this point, your kitchen already smells like dinner. But trust me, it gets even better.

✅ Step 5: Slow Cook Low & Cozy

Cover your slow cooker and set it on:

High for 30 minutes (to give it a head start), then
Low for 6 hours

Walk away. Read a book. Shovel the driveway. Light a candle. Let your house slowly turn into a stew-scented paradise. 😌

✅ Step 6: Thicken to Perfection

After 6 hours, mix 2 tbsp flour with ¼ cup warm water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.

Pour into the stew and gently stir. Let it cook uncovered for another 15 minutes, just enough to thicken into that classic rich, velvety texture.

📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Because we all like to know what we’re working with:

Calories: 492
Protein: 34g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 410mg
Potassium: 768mg

Hearty, satisfying, and packed with protein and veggies? That’s my kind of meal.

🧡 Tips, Swaps, & Cozy Add-Ins

This stew is super forgiving and flexible. Here are some fun ideas to make it your own:

Swap or Add	What It Does
Beef broth instead of water	Adds extra depth of flavor
Parsnips or sweet potatoes	For a little sweet earthiness
A splash of Worcestershire sauce	Adds that savory umami punch
Frozen peas (added at the end)	For color and a pop of sweetness
Thyme or rosemary	Herbs that pair beautifully with beef

🧊 Storing, Reheating & Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day once the flavors have time to develop!

Freeze it:
Cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

🥖 What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This stew is hearty enough to stand alone—but if you want to round it out into a full-blown comfort fest, here’s what I suggest:

Crusty bread (for dunking, of course)
Garlic mashed potatoes (to pour the stew over!)
Side salad (for a little freshness)
Buttered egg noodles (a cozy twist)

And don’t forget the wine—if you cooked with it, you might as well drink it, right? 🍷

❄️ When to Make This Stew

This is the recipe for:

❄️ Snow days
🧤 Chilly weekends
🧑‍🍳 Meal prep for the week
🎄 Holiday comfort food
💛 Any day you need a warm hug in a bowl

❤️ Final Thoughts from Your Favorite Cozy Chef

There’s something so special about a dish that simmers all day while you go about your life. One that’s waiting for you with open arms (and rich gravy) at the end of a long day.

This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is more than just dinner—it’s comfort, tradition, and practicality all rolled into one. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your friends, or just yourself, this stew always hits the spot.

Now grab that ladle, get comfy, and enjoy the warm, beefy bliss. You’ve earned it.

Stay cozy and keep cookin’, — Chef Carla 🥄❄️💕

📌 Pin & Share the Stew Love

Made this cozy classic? Tag your bowl with #SlowCookerStewSeason and show me how you serve it! I love seeing your warm and hearty creations.