Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mashed Potatoes

By bella

20 minutes
6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
4-6

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional, or use more broth)

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for richness)

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef Stew in the Slow Cooker

  • Sear the Beef (Optional):

    • Heat olive oil in a skillet (or the sauté function if using a slow cooker with this feature) over medium-high heat.

    • Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.

  • Assemble in the Slow Cooker:

    • Add the seared beef to the slow cooker.

    • Top with onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.

    • In a bowl, mix the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour over the beef and vegetables.

  • Cook:

    • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or

      high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.

  • Thicken the Gravy:

    • In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the stew. Remove bay leaves before serving.

2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Option 1: Using Bella StoreMore Cookware Set:

  • Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt.

  • Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

  • Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Option 2: Using the Slow Cooker:

  • Add cubed potatoes to the slow cooker with enough water or broth to cover.

  • Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, until soft.

  • Drain excess liquid, then mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and stir until creamy.

3. Assemble and Serve

  • Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls and top with the beef stew. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness.

Tips for Success:

  • Add Depth of Flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar can enhance the stew's flavor.

  • Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, parsnips, or frozen peas in the last hour of cooking for variety.

  • Make-Ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Products used

PlumSurfBlossom

6qt Programmable Slow Cooker

$--
EverGood™
Family Sized
PlumSurfBlack
New

Bestseller

9-Piece StoreMore Cookware Set

$--
Fits-anywhere™
EverGood™
Family Sized