Easy Hearty 4-Ingredient Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe with Red Wine and Herbs
A simple, comforting beef stew made with just four main ingredients, slow-cooked to tender perfection with red wine and fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy nights and minimal effort cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours (low) or 4 to 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels to encourage browning. (Optional: Sear the beef in a hot skillet with a little oil for 3-4 minutes per side.)
- Place the chopped carrots and onions at the bottom of the crockpot to create a bed for the beef.
- Arrange the beef chunks on top of the vegetables, spreading them out evenly.
- Scatter the minced garlic evenly over the beef, then tuck rosemary and thyme sprigs among the beef pieces.
- Slowly pour in the red wine and beef broth, covering the ingredients but not fully submerging them.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are softened but still hold their shape.
- Before serving, remove and discard the herb sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- If stew is thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold water and stir into stew, then cook uncovered on high for 15 minutes to thicken.
Notes
Searing the beef before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional. Layer vegetables at the bottom to prevent overcooking. Use dry red wine with moderate tannins for best flavor. To thicken stew, use cornstarch slurry at the end. Can be prepared the night before and refrigerated before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: beef stew, crockpot, slow cooker, red wine, herbs, easy recipe, hearty stew, comfort food