Slow Cooker Labrador Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty slow-cooked beef stew infused with rich flavors and tender root vegetables, capturing the loyal and warm nature of Labradors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 500 minutes pairs large, diced yellow onion, sliced celery stalks, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Transfer browned beef to a slow cooker. Add 3 large chopped carrots, 2 peeled and chopped parsnips, 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 sliced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup red wine, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Nestle 3 fresh thyme sprigs and 2 bay leaves into the mixture.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
  5. Step 5: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve stew warm with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Labrador Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Slow Cooker Labrador 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 Slow Cooker Labrador 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 Slow Cooker Labrador 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 Slow Cooker Labrador Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

American beef 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.

Related recipes