Can I make this stew without a crockpot?

Absolutely. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook this stew on the stovetop or in the oven. For the stovetop version, simmer the ingredients in a large pot over low heat for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender. For the oven, bake covered at 325°F for roughly the same time.

Can I add wine to deepen the flavor?

Yes, you can! Replacing one cup of beef broth with red wine adds a beautiful depth to the broth. Choose a medium-bodied wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

How can I thicken the stew?

If you like a thicker texture, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the hot stew. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. This stew tastes even better the next day because the herbs have more time to infuse the broth. You can make it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat it before serving.

What side dishes go best with this stew?

I love serving this with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even buttered noodles. For something extra cozy, try pairing it with my Crockpot Cranberry Balsamic Beef Roast , it’s another slow-cooked favorite with a holiday twist.

Holiday Herb Beef Stew: A Cozy Crockpot Classic for Winter Nights

Description

Tender beef cubes slow-cooked with holiday herbs, carrots, and potatoes in a rich broth — a cozy crockpot dinner that fills your home with warmth and flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes

3 carrots, sliced

2 potatoes, diced

1 onion, chopped

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon fresh thyme

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the beef into cubes, slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, and chop the onion.

2. Place the beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes into the crockpot.

3. Add tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper.

4. Stir everything until the beef is coated evenly with the herbs and tomato paste.

5. Pour in the beef broth and give it a quick mix.

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or until the beef is tender and the broth is rich and flavorful.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

8. Serve warm with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Notes

This Holiday Herb Beef Stew is a simple and hearty meal perfect for cold nights or festive family dinners.

For deeper flavor, replace one cup of broth with red wine.

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 340
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: holiday herb beef stew, crockpot beef stew, slow cooker beef stew, easy beef stew recipe, hearty winter dinner