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Cozy Slow Cooker French Onion Beef Stew

slow cooker french onion beef stew - featured image
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A rich and comforting slow cooker beef stew featuring caramelized onions and tender beef chuck, perfect for cozy winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (optional)
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the 4 large yellow onions (about 10 minutes).
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently and cook low and slow until onions are deep golden brown and sweet, about 30 to 40 minutes.
  3. While onions caramelize, cut beef chuck roast into 1½-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Increase skillet heat to medium-high and sear beef cubes in batches, browning each side for 2-3 minutes to form a crust. Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
  5. Pour ½ cup dry white wine into the skillet and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute, then pour over beef in slow cooker.
  6. Add caramelized onions, minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over beef and onions in slow cooker to thicken broth.
  8. Pour in 4 cups beef broth and stir gently. Add chopped carrots and celery if using. Finish with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
  9. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld. Avoid lifting lid frequently.
  10. Before serving, taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Butter can be swapped with olive oil for dairy-free option. If stew is too thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Searing beef and slow caramelization of onions are key for deep flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, beef stew, French onion, comfort food, winter recipe, caramelized onions, easy stew

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cozy-slow-cooker-french-onion-beef-stew-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-winter/