This slow cooker Beef Stew Recipe combines tender beef, sweet carrots, and rich gravy, with gnocchi instead of potatoes for a soft, irresistible twist.
author’s note
My Dad’s Famous Beef Stew, Reinvented!
Growing up, my dad made beef stew all the time. Everyone knew he made the best stew. Friends and neighbors often stayed for dinner when he was cooking, and I loved it so much that I would ask for it on my birthday (even though my birthday is in the middle of summer!).
My dad always used potatoes, never gnocchi, but this recipe is my twist on his famous stew. He never followed a recipe. He just added a bit of this and a touch of that, so it took some phone calls and a lot of testing to get it just right.
Now, this version with gnocchi has become a favorite at my house, and I honestly could eat it every single week.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps / Tips |
|---|---|
| Beef Chuck Roast | My first choice by far. Look for a roast with good marbling and cut it into fairly even 1 to 2-inch pieces. Bottom round or stew meat can work, but chuck gives you the best texture. |
| Red Wine | Use a dry red wine if you want it, or simply replace it with additional beef stock. No need to buy wine just for this slow cooker beef stew recipe. |
| Beef Stock | Chicken stock works in a pinch, though flavor will be lighter. |
| Carrots and Celery | Keep the pieces fairly substantial so they hold up through the long cooking time. |
| Worcestershire Sauce | Soy sauce can work as a backup. |
| Fire-Roasted Tomatoes and Tomato Paste | These give the gravy a deeper flavor without turning this into a tomato-heavy stew. I wouldn’t leave out the paste. |
| Gnocchi | Egg noodles or small pasta shells also work. |
How To Make This slow cooker Beef Stew Recipe
- Sear the Beef: Heat a skillet and brown the beef. This adds flavor and reduces grease.
- Gravy: Use the same skillet to create the gravy, picking up the flavorful bits left from the beef.
- Add Ingredients: Put all the ingredients (except gnocchi) into the slow cooker.
- Cook: On low for best flavor and tenderness, or high if you’re short on time.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Boil gnocchi for 2-3 minutes just before serving.
- Serve: Add gnocchi to each bowl of stew and serve with crusty bread.
Let’s Chat Gnocchi
Most slow cooker beef stew recipes use potatoes, but It is satisfying to swapping them with gnocchi. These pillowy potato dumplings keep the flavor of potato but bring a softer, more comforting texture.
To decide what gnocchi to purchase, here is a list of the top sellers on Amazon and a list of taste tester’s favorites. My local grocery store doesn’t have a huge selection, but Gia Russa Gnocchi is typically my go-to.
Quick Tip
Instead of mixing all the gnocchi into the stew, add a handful to each bowl. Gnocchi soaks up liquid and can become mushy or fall apart when stored with the stew.
Storage
- Storing: Cool this slow cooker beef stew recipe completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over a low burner, stirring often. Add a splash of stock if too thick.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled stew (without gnocchi) in airtight containers up to 3 months.
Serve This slow cooker Beef Stew Recipe With:
Appetizers
Life-Changing No-Knead Dinner Rolls
Salads
Italian Salad Recipe
Salads
Winter Fruit Salad
