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Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Stew

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Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Stew

Description

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Stew is the perfect comfort food for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal with very little effort. Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and a rich blend of herbs in a savory broth until they become melt-in-your-mouth delicious. As the stew simmers, the beef absorbs the flavorful garlic herb sauce while becoming incredibly juicy and tender. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the ingredients to develop deep, rich flavors over several hours. This classic recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or serving guests on chilly evenings. Pair it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious gravy. With simple pantry ingredients and easy preparation, this Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Stew is a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy and request again and again.

Ingredients For the Beef

  • 2½ pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced

For the Garlic Herb Sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Fresh thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into evenly sized cubes. Pat the beef dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional)

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker

Place the diced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the browned beef cubes on top.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, thyme, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 5: Pour Over the Beef

Pour the garlic herb sauce evenly over the beef, making sure all the meat is coated.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the final 20 minutes of cooking and allow the sauce to thicken.

Step 8: Stir Gently

Carefully stir the beef so every piece is coated in the rich garlic herb gravy.

Step 9: Garnish

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme for added freshness and color.

Step 10: Serve

Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, egg noodles, or alongside warm crusty bread.

Tips & Notes

  • Beef chuck roast is the best cut because it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking.
  • Browning the beef before slow cooking creates deeper flavor.
  • Add carrots, mushrooms, or baby potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
  • Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooled leftovers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Q&A

Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes. While browning adds extra flavor, the recipe will still be delicious without it.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, mushrooms, potatoes, or peas are excellent additions.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day.

What can I serve with this stew?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, biscuits, or crusty bread all pair wonderfully.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Servings

Serves: 6–8 people

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 430
  • Protein: 38g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 690mg

Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Stew is a rich, hearty meal made with tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a savory garlic herb sauce until perfectly juicy and flavorful. Easy to prepare and packed with comforting homemade goodness, this classic recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite. 🥩🍲🧄

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