Here’s a simple and safe slow cooker recipe using raw cubed beef — perfect for a hearty stew or beef casserole. Slow cooking makes the beef tender and flavorful over several hours.
🥩 Slow Cooker Beef Stew (Raw Cubed Beef)
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Beef & Protein:
- 2 lb (900 g) raw beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
Vegetables:
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
Liquids & Flavorings:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can replace with more broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & pepper to taste
Thickener (optional):
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Optional: Brown the beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef cubes 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
- This step adds extra flavor but isn’t strictly necessary — you can put raw beef directly in the slow cooker.
2. Add ingredients to slow cooker
- Place beef cubes in the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic.
- Pour in beef broth and red wine.
- Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Check seasoning before serving.
4. Optional: Thicken the stew
- If you want a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Stir into the stew in the last 15–20 minutes of cooking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
⭐ Tips
- Don’t skip browning if you have time — it enhances flavor.
- Use tougher cuts like chuck, brisket, or short rib — they become tender in slow cooking.
- You can freeze leftovers in portions — just reheat gently.
If you want, I can also give a one-pot slow cooker version with extra vegetables and a rich gravy that’s even easier for busy days.
Do you want me to do that?
