When the temperatures drop, or you simply crave a meal that wraps you in warmth and rich flavor, a classic beef stew is often the first thing that comes to mind. This Best Ever Beef Stew recipe delivers on every promise: incredibly tender, fall-apart beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply savory sauce that’s perfect for cozying up with. Using the slow cooker, this recipe makes it easier than ever to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture and complex flavor that tastes like it simmered all day long.

Why I Love This Recipe

This beef stew has earned its “Best Ever” title in my kitchen for several compelling reasons. What I love most is the sheer depth of flavor achieved with minimal fuss. The initial browning of the floured beef creates an incredible “fond” in the skillet, which then forms the savory foundation of the stew’s liquid. The addition of beef demi-glace and Worcestershire sauce elevates the richness to a truly gourmet level, making the gravy unbelievably savory and satisfying.

Beyond the taste, the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting. This means you can get it prepped in the morning, let it simmer all day, and come home to a house filled with an irresistible aroma and a perfectly cooked, comforting meal. It’s a complete meal in one pot, packed with tender beef and wholesome vegetables, making it ideal for family dinners or feeding a crowd. It’s a classic for a reason, and this recipe perfects it.

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Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon seasoning salt (like Lawry’s or your preferred blend)
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups water
• 2 heaping teaspoons beef demi-glace (store-bought paste or liquid)
• 4 medium to large red-skinned potatoes, washed and diced into 1-inch pieces
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1 stalk celery, diced

Swaps and Notes

• Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast, cut into cubes, is an excellent choice for stew due to its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. Sirloin tip will also work well.
• Seasoning Salt: This recipe benefits from a good quality seasoning salt that includes herbs and spices. If using plain salt, adjust other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to taste.
• Beef Demi-Glace: This ingredient is a flavor booster! It provides a deep, concentrated beef flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste plus an extra beef bouillon cube, or 1/2 cup of robust beef broth.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even mushrooms during the last few hours of cooking. Adding green peas during the last 30 minutes can also be nice.
• Broth: You can substitute some or all of the water with beef broth for an even richer base.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (1-2) can be added to the slow cooker along with the bay leaves for additional aromatic depth.

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Directions:

Preparing this Best Ever Beef Stew is mostly hands-off once the initial searing is done, allowing your slow cooker to work its magic.

1. Prepare Beef: Place the beef stew meat, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 Tablespoon seasoning salt in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the beef stew meat is evenly coated with the flour and seasoning.
2. Sear Beef: Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef to the hot skillet (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a good sear and crust, not necessarily to cook it through.
3. Transfer Beef & Season: Remove the browned beef with a slotted spoon or tongs and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season the beef directly in the slow cooker with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Sauté Onion: In the same skillet (no need to clean it beforehand—those browned bits are flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced large onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften.
5. Transfer Onion: Transfer the sautéed onions to the slow cooker, placing them over the beef.
6. Deglaze Skillet: Pour the 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 2 cups water, and 2 heaping teaspoons beef demi-glaceinto the hot skillet. Whisk vigorously to combine the liquids and scrape up all the delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor to your stew. Turn off the heat and set this liquid mixture aside.
7. Add Vegetables & Bay Leaves: Add the diced red-skinned potatoes, sliced carrots, diced celery, and 2 bay leaves to the slow cooker, placing them over the meat and onions.
8. Add Liquid: Pour the broth and Worcestershire mixture from the skillet evenly over the vegetables and meat in the slow cooker. Ensure the liquid mostly covers the ingredients; if not, add a little more water or beef broth.
9. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 8 hours. This long, slow cooking time is essential for the beef to become fork-tender and for all the flavors to meld beautifully.
10. Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaves before serving. Stir the stew gently, then ladle generous portions into bowls. Serve hot and enjoy your Best Ever Beef Stew!

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Pro Tip:

For an even richer and slightly thicker gravy, if desired, you can make a quick slurry after the stew is done cooking. Ladle about 1/2 cup of the hot liquid from the slow cooker into a small bowl, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth, then stir the slurry back into the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until thickened to your liking.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Best Ever Beef Stew is a complete, hearty meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food accompaniments.

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread or some dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that rich gravy.
• Mashed Potatoes: While potatoes are in the stew, extra creamy mashed potatoes on the side are never a bad idea! My Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs Over Buttery Mash offers a great mashed potato recipe.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
• Southern Comfort: If you enjoy deeply flavorful, slow-cooked meals, consider this stew as part of a comfort food spread alongside elements like my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor or a bowl of This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Beef stew is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

• Storage: Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if it has thickened too much overnight. Individual portions can also be microwaved.
• Freezing: Beef stew freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving about an inch of headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this beef stew, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another incredibly satisfying and easy one-pan meal, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you’re a fan of rich, slow-cooked meats, don’t miss Slow-Braised Beef Short Ribs Over Buttery Mash for another melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• And for another comforting poultry dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal, consider These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.

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Final Thoughts

This Best Ever Beef Stew is a true culinary masterpiece, embodying the warmth, comfort, and rich flavors of home cooking. With its incredibly tender beef, hearty vegetables, and deeply savory gravy, it’s a meal that satisfies the soul and gathers loved ones around the table. It proves that with a little patience and the magic of a slow cooker, you can create an unforgettable dining experience. Go ahead, fill your home with its irresistible aroma, and savor every tender bite!

What are your favorite secret ingredients for making beef stew even better? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.