Description
This hearty slow cooker beef and mushroom stew is rich, comforting, and loaded with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and savory vegetables—perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Vegetables:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
Broth and Seasonings:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season beef: Season beef with salt and pepper, then toss with flour until lightly coated.
- Brown beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Add broth and seasonings: Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Mix well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Thicken (optional): If thicker stew is desired, stir in cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before serving.
- Finish and serve: Remove bay leaves, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For added depth, sauté mushrooms separately until golden before adding to the slow cooker.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use pearl onions instead of chopped onions for a rustic touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course / Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking / Braising
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg