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Slow cooker recipes for hearty beef stew
Emily

Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew

This comforting beef stew relies on a classic slow cooking method to transform tough beef chuck into tender, flavorful perfection with minimal effort. By searing the meat first to unlock deep umami notes and utilizing a savory French onion base, this recipe delivers a professional-quality meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Paired with fresh garden vegetables and earthy thyme, it creates a robust, warming gravy that pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Modern Comfort
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.2kg beef chuck steak, trimmed and cubed
  • 1 brown onion, cut into thin wedges
  • 2 carrots, coarsely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 180ml red grape juice
  • 40g French onion soup mix
  • 7 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cornflour

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
  2. Sear half the beef for 8 minutes until golden and transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Repeat searing with the remaining beef and add to the slow cooker.
  4. Heat remaining oil in the same pan, add onions and carrots, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  5. Add garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in red grape juice and deglaze the pan, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
  7. Add French onion soup mix and thyme sprigs to the slow cooker.
  8. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
  9. Whisk cornflour with a little water and stir into the stew in the last 15 minutes to thicken the gravy.

Notes

Always trim excess fat from the beef chuck to ensure a clean, rich sauce. If you prefer a thicker stew, combine the cornflour with an equal amount of cold water before whisking it into the pot. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.