Making a hearty beef stew doesn’t have to take all day. Our recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Butternut, Carrot, and Potatoes is quick and easy. It combines tender chuck roast with a mix of seasonal vegetables. This creates a nourishing and flavorful meal ready in just 40 minutes with an Instant Pot.

Whether you’re into slow cooking or electric pressure cooking, this recipe works wonders. It promises a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

This stew includes classic ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and onions. But it also adds butternut squash and mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. The secret to its tenderness is a well-marbled chuck roast.

The rich broth is a blend of beef stock, red wine, and various seasonings. This combination makes the stew both comforting and satisfying.

Essential Ingredients for Rich and Hearty Beef Stew

To craft a flavorful and comforting beef stew, we focus on key ingredients. We start with 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes. This cut, though tough, becomes tender and juicy with slow cooking. Next, we add diced butternut squash, carrots, and new red potatoes for varied textures and flavors.

Best Cut of Beef for Slow Cooking

Beef chuck roast is the top choice for tender, succulent beef. Its connective tissue breaks down during slow cooking, making the beef incredibly tender. You can also use bottom round or rump roast, but chuck roast is the best for beef stew.

Fresh Vegetables and Aromatics

We’ll add onions, garlic, and celery to build a robust flavor base. These aromatics, along with fresh thyme, infuse the stew with a savory, earthy aroma. Butternut squash, carrots, and red potatoes add sweetness and heartiness.

Broth and Seasoning Components

The stew’s liquid is a mix of beef broth and red wine, creating a rich sauce. We season it with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of thyme, salt, and pepper. These ingredients enhance the stew’s flavor, making it deeply satisfying.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Butternut, Carrot and Potatoes

Creating a delicious slow cooker beef stew is a rewarding journey. We’ll walk you through it, ensuring the meat is tender and the vegetables blend perfectly in every bite.

First, we coat the 2 pounds of beef stew meat in seasoned flour. Then, we sear it in batches to achieve a beautiful browning. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds depth to the stew. Next, we sauté the onions and celery, deglazing the pot with red wine to capture all the browned bits.

Once browning and sautéing are done, we start assembling the stew. We add the browned beef, sautéed vegetables, 6 cloves of garlic, and a mix of herbs – 1 tablespoon of parsley, 1 teaspoon each of oregano and thyme, and a pinch of basil, rosemary, and sage. Then, we pour in 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to create the flavorful base.

Finally, we add the remaining vegetables – 1 ½ pounds of yellow potatoes, 1 pound of carrots, and 1 cup each of frozen green beans, corn, and peas. The stew simmers on low for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together seamlessly.

For those who prefer the Instant Pot, the recipe can be adapted by using the stew setting for 30 minutes with a natural release. Alternatively, the stovetop method involves simmering the stew for approximately 2 hours.

With this step-by-step guide, you’re well on your way to crafting a slow cooker beef stew that will delight your senses and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen as the flavors develop and the hearty ingredients come together in perfect harmony.

Tips for Achieving Tender, Flavorful Meat

To perfect slow cooker beef stew, focus on the meat. Use well-marbled beef chuck and brown it before slow cooking. This ensures tender beef every time. Keep the temperature low, around 325°F, for at least 2 hours to achieve fork-tender meat.

Proper Browning Techniques

Searing the meat seals in juices and adds flavor. Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Then, sear in a hot pan with olive or vegetable oil. Brown in batches to get an even sear.

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

Cook the stew at 325-350°F for a long time. In a slow cooker, aim for 4-5 hours on high or 8 hours on low. This slow cooking breaks down connective tissues, making the beef tender.

Thickening the Stew

For the right consistency, use a flour slurry. Mix 3 tablespoons of flour with 3 tablespoons of hot stew liquid. Then, stir this back into the pot. Alternatively, make a roux by cooking butter and flour, then add it to the stew. Both methods thicken the broth and enhance the texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Our slow cooker beef stew with butternut, carrot, and potatoes is a comforting meal that’s also great for meal planning. It’s perfect for freezing for later or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. We’ve got you covered.

This beef stew can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months. Cool it completely before storing in airtight containers or freezer bags. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat until it’s hot and bubbly.

The flavors of this stew get even better when made a day or two in advance. It’s ideal for storing leftovers and reheating. You can also prep the veggies and beef ahead, mix the dry ingredients, and refrigerate overnight for a quick assembly the next day.

Whether you’re making this hearty stew for a freezer meal or enjoying leftovers, we’ve got you covered. You can refrigerate or freeze it, ensuring a delicious, comforting meal is always ready. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

For a truly satisfying meal, we recommend serving this hearty slow cooker beef stew with some crusty bread, over a bed of egg noodles, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes. The rich, flavorful sauce in the stew is perfect for soaking up with a slice of crusty bread or for coating tender noodles. Mashed potatoes also make an excellent accompaniment, allowing the stew’s flavors to shine.

To complete the dining experience, pair this beef stew with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The robust tannins and bold flavors of these wines will complement the savory notes of the stew beautifully. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Finally, don’t forget to garnish your slow cooker beef stew with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. This vibrant green herb will add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor to each bite, enhancing the overall presentation and taste of the dish.