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Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe Easy Cozy Root Vegetables Red Wine

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A hearty and cozy slow cooker beef stew with tender beef chuck, root vegetables, and a splash of red wine for rich, layered flavor. Perfect for easy, comforting meals on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Toss them in the all-purpose flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper until lightly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for 5-7 minutes per batch until deeply caramelized. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, celery, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour the red wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift browned bits. Simmer and reduce for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened and alcohol smell mellows.
  5. Transfer the wine mixture into the slow cooker over the beef. Add beef broth, carrots, parsnips, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked but not mushy.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust salt and pepper. For thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the stew. Cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
  8. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving. Ladle stew into bowls and enjoy warm.

Notes

Browning the beef before slow cooking adds deep flavor and texture. Do not skip this step. Use low setting for best texture and flavor melding. Add potatoes halfway through cooking to avoid mushiness. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. For non-alcoholic version, replace red wine with beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, beef stew recipe, root vegetables stew, red wine stew, easy beef stew, cozy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/slow-cooker-beef-stew-recipe-easy-cozy-root-vegetables-red-wine/