Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This hearty make-ahead slow cooker beef stew recipe is a family favorite. Make it fresh by browning the meat and then tossing all the ingredients in the slow cooker, or prepare it ahead for freezing and quick assembly for an easy slow cooker meal when you need it! I like to make fresh stew, but double the ingredients and freeze the second portion for a quick dose of comfort food mid-week. Serve it with fresh bread and a salad.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 4 hrs

Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Spanish smoked paprika, or to taste, divided
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) package mushrooms, chopped
• 5 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 3 (10.5 ounce) cans organic beef broth
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup Marsala wine
• 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (Optional)
• 2 tablespoons water (Optional)

Steps

1. Combine flour, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, seasoned salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a large, resealable plastic bag. Add beef, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Shake bag until beef thoroughly coated with seasoned flour.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove beef from seasoned flour and shake off excess. Add beef, onion, and mushrooms to the skillet; cook and stir until beef is evenly browned and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease.
3. Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in carrots, potatoes, beef broth, celery, tomatoes, Marsala wine, onion soup mix, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cover slow cooker.
4. Cook on High for 4 to 6 hours or on Low for 10 to 12 hours. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl; gradually stir into stew until thickened.