Low-Temperature Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Tender beef chunks simmered low and slow with hearty root vegetables in a rich, savory broth. This general-inspired slow cooker ready in about 505 minutes pairs large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes beef chuck roast
- 3 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces parsnips
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish) fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 2 lbs cubed beef chuck roast with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits, and cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Add 3 peeled and chopped medium carrots, 2 peeled and chopped medium parsnips, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
- Step 7: Discard bay leaves, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Temperature Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 505 minutes (25 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Low-Temperature Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, diced yellow onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Temperature Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Low-Temperature Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Low-Temperature Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?
General slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
