Hearty and comforting, this Crock Pot Beef Stew includes delicious mushrooms and an amazingly rich red wine sauce! With only minutes of prep, you can easily put together this amazing stew in the slow cooker.
Great to serve over rice or noodles, the whole family will love this flavorful and filling meal. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or any family meal!
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🩵 About This Recipe
I love being able to throw some ingredients together in the morning and then not have to worry about starting dinner later in the evening. When I figured out how to cook beef stew meat in a slow cooker, it completely changed the game!
Also, crock pot recipes tend to be very forgiving, so there are no worries that something will go wrong that would necessitate coming up with a plan B at the last minute!
And if you and your family love easy stew recipes, my Slow Cooker Red Lentil Stew and this Easy Shrimp Stew are both incredible options as well! And mushroom fans will love these Air Fryer Mushrooms as an anytime side dish.
What readers are saying...
Perfect meal for my family!
- Kasey
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- stew meat - typically fairly affordable, stew meat is a great option for the crock pot because it will get nice and tender as it slow cooks.
- button mushrooms - I like to splurge and buy mine pre-sliced for easier prep.
- French onion soup - be sure to buy the condensed version.
- red wine - helps make the meat tender and infuses it with rich flavor.
- salt and pepper - season to taste.
- cornstarch - helps thicken the sauce.
🔪 Let's Make Crock Pot Beef Stew!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Make Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine French onion soup with red wine, salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
Add to Slow Cooker
Add the stew meat and mushrooms to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add Sauce and Cook
Pour the sauce over the meat and mushrooms, then slow cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Before slow cooking, sear the meat for some extra flavor.
- Be sure to whisk the cornstarch into the sauce well to avoid lumps.
❔ FAQs
No, all of the alcohol in the wine cooks off throughout the slow cooking process so there's no alcohol in the final result.
Most cuts of stew meat are inherently tough, but a low and slow cooking style is a great way to break down the muscle fibers and make it nice and tender. If you cook it on a high heat for a shorter period of time, it may still be tough after cooking.
You'll want to use something nice and full bodied like a Merlot, Shiraz, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Pinot Noir can also be used. Ultimately, choose something that you would also enjoy drinking, but avoid anything that's too sweet or fruity.
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- For a version that doesn't incorporate any alcohol, use beef broth instead of red wine.
- Add more veggies like carrots, pearl onions, or chunks of potato for a more filling and hearty stew.
- If you prefer an earthier and richer taste, use baby bella mushrooms.
Kristin's Kitchen Tip
Stew meat tends to be on the tougher side, but slow cooking in wine helps break it down and make it tender and delicious!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover beef stew, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for 3 months or so.
To reheat, cook over medium heat over the stovetop, stirring constantly until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. To reheat from frozen, allow the stew to thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Keep It Handy
Don't have time for this crock pot beef stew recipe right now? Click on or tap the heart icon on the BOTTOM RIGHT of the screen to save it for later!
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
This stew can be served over mashed potatoes, your favorite noodles, or a bowl of rice. It's also great paired with some warm crusty bread and a side salad.
😋 More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Biscuits - A great alternative to chicken pot pie, this dish features tender chicken and veggies with a flaky biscuit topping.
- Crock Pot Guinness Chicken Stew - For something super hearty and packed with flavor, this chicken stew comes together without much effort and uses Guinness for a unique and delicious taste.
- Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mac and Cheese - Upgrade your mac with hidden veggies that don't take away from the cheesy flavor!
- Slow Cooker Carrots - This amazing recipe from JZ Eats is a great way to prepare a veggie side dish for holidays, special dinners, or even simple weeknight meals!
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Beef Cubes in the Crock Pot
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📋 Recipe Card
Crock Pot Beef Stew With Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 2 to 2.5 pounds stew meat
- 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
- 10 ounces condensed French onion soup (1 can)
- 1 cup red wine
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the French onion soup, red wine, salt, pepper, and cornstarch.10 ounces condensed French onion soup, 1 cup red wine, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Place the stew meat and the mushrooms in the crock pot.2 to 2.5 pounds stew meat, 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
- Pour the wine mixture over the beef and mushrooms.
- Cook on low 6-8 hours.
Notes
Prep Tips:
- If you have time and would like to maximize the flavor in this dish, you can sear the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot.
- Whisk the cornstarch mixture well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Variation Suggestions:
- You can use beef broth instead of red wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Add carrots, pearl onions, or potatoes for more variety in your stew.
- Use baby bella mushrooms for a richer, earthier taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice.
- Pair with warm, crusty bread and a side salad for a complete dinner.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Storage Info For Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in May 2017, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in October 2025.
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Happy cooking!
Kasey says
Perfect meal for my family!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I love crock pot cooking and this looks so good! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner Party!
Theresa says
Sounds and looks go yummy. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & sharing.
Miz Helen says
Awesome Crock Pot Recipes! Hope you are having a fantastic week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. We will look forward to seeing you again real soon!
Miz Helen
Vanessa says
This recipe looks so yummy. Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party.
Misty Farmer says
Looks very delicious
My family is going to love it!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
That looks so moist and tender and delicious! Thanks for sharing on the What's for Dinner link up!