Rich Red Wine & Rosemary Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This comforting stew is all about warm, hearty flavors that develop slowly, allowing every bite to shine with savory goodness. A splash of red wine, the aromatic touch of rosemary, and a medley of root vegetables come together to create a meal that’ll make you want to cozy up at the table. Prepare to fall in love with how simple this is to throw together—your slow cooker will do most of the work.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, trimmed and cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup red wine (dry variety like Cabernet or Merlot)
• 2 cups beef stock
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional thickener)

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook until they’re browned on all sides, about 5 minutes total. This step locks in flavor and gives the stew a richer color.

2. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the red wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then pour the wine mixture over the beef.

3. Stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, rosemary, garlic, carrots, celery, and onion. If you’d like a thicker consistency, whisk the flour into a small amount of cold water, then add it to the slow cooker now.

4. Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours (or on high for 5–6 hours), until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are nicely cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

5. Serve your stew piping hot, perhaps with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes on the side.

If you have leftovers, they’ll taste even better the next day—just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This stew truly shines when slow-simmered, giving it a velvety texture and a heartwarming flavor profile.

Final Thoughts: This Rich Red Wine & Rosemary Slow Cooker Beef Stew is perfect for anyone craving a no-fuss, nourishing meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser—filling, fragrant, and easy enough to whip up on a busy morning. To lighten the dish or skip the wine, simply use extra beef stock. You can also play around with vegetables—add mushrooms for earthiness, or swap in sweet potatoes for some natural sweetness. It’s a comforting classic tailored just the way you like it.