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Old Fashioned Whiskey Beef

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This slow-cooked whiskey beef features tender chunks of seared beef simmered with fresh herbs, okra, mushrooms, and root vegetables. The whiskey adds a smooth depth of flavor while complemented by gluten-free Worcestershire and rich beef broth. Cooking low and slow tenderizes the meat perfectly, and cornstarch thickens the stew for a comforting, hearty dish ideal for chilly evenings. Serve warm with biscuits or breads for a satisfying meal.

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Brought to You By Nina
Last updated on Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:05:38 GMT
A bowl of beef stew with carrots and potatoes. Bookmark
A bowl of beef stew with carrots and potatoes. | ninatable.com

This old fashioned slow cooker whiskey beef stew is the ultimate comfort food that blends rich flavors with tender chunks of beef and fresh herbs. Perfect for a cold evening or a relaxed weekend dinner, it uses a slow cooker to develop deep, hearty taste without much fuss. This stew has been inspired by a prize winning recipe from a legendary chuckwagon cook off, adapted for a modern kitchen to make preparation easy and the results delicious.

I first made this stew on a chilly evening, and it’s become a favorite comfort dish for my whole family. The whiskey adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors, making it cozy and satisfying every time.

Ingredients

  • Beef stew meat: cut into one inch cubes, choose stewing beef or chuck for the best tenderness
  • Fresh sage, oregano, and rosemary: fresh herbs bring a vibrant, earthy aroma and flavor
  • Bay leaves: add a subtle floral note and deepen the broth flavor
  • Fresh mushrooms: provide a meaty texture and umami flavor
  • Celery stalks: add a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch
  • Onion: builds the stew’s savory base
  • Carrots: offer natural sweetness and color
  • Okra: thickens the stew naturally and adds slight vegetal flavor, fresh is best when available
  • Potatoes: starchy potatoes hold their shape and add body to the stew
  • Whiskey: Jack Daniels or any preferred brand works, offering a gluten free depth of flavor
  • Beef broth: forms the base of the stew and enhances the meatiness
  • Gluten free Worcestershire sauce: adds tang and savory complexity
  • Cornstarch and water: used to thicken the stew to a luscious consistency, this gluten free alternative keeps it light and smooth

Instructions

Sear the Meat:
Heat a non stick skillet over high heat and sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef cubes. Brown the beef on all sides without cooking through, this step seals in juices and builds flavor. Spray your slow cooker with non stick spray.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
Add the seared beef along with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and bay leaves into the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
Add Liquids:
Mix beef broth, whiskey, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl, then pour it over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Slow Cook:
Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours for the best results. If you need to speed things up, use the high setting for 4 to 6 hours, but cooking slow and low develops richer flavor.
Thicken the Stew:
About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a smooth slurry. Add this to the stew and continue cooking to thicken it up. Add more slurry if you want a thicker consistency.
Serve:
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve warm, ideally with biscuits, crusty bread, or a gluten free cloud bread for a light accompaniment.
A bowl of beef stew with a biscuit on top.
A bowl of beef stew with a biscuit on top. | ninatable.com

The fresh herbs bring this dish alive in ways dried herbs cannot, giving it a bright yet rustic character. One family favorite memory is gathering around a chilly Father's Day backyard with this stew simmering in the slow cooker, the blend of whiskey and herbs made the day feel special and cozy.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes beautifully in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to maintain the stew’s rich flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with half the amount of good quality dried herbs, though fresh is far superior. You can swap whiskey with beer or red wine if gluten is not a concern. Okra can be omitted or replaced with frozen green beans or additional mushrooms for thickening.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fluffy baking powder biscuits, classic dinner rolls, or a light everything bagel cloud bread to soak up the delicious gravy. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make a nice fresh contrast to this hearty dish.

A close up of a beef stew in a slow cooker.
A close up of a beef stew in a slow cooker. | ninatable.com

This slow cooker whiskey beef stew rewards patient cooking with deeply developed flavor and tender meat. It is simple to prepare and well worth the wait.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cuts of beef are best for this stew?

Use stewing beef or beef chunks that hold together well during slow cooking for tender, juicy bites.

→ Can I substitute frozen okra or omit it?

Frozen okra can work, but fresh is best for flavor and texture. Omitting it is fine; stew will still thicken and taste great.

→ Which potatoes work best here?

Starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Gold hold up well and absorb the flavors nicely during slow cooking.

→ If I skip whiskey, what should I use instead?

Replace whiskey with extra beef broth or a splash of red wine or beer for richness, keeping gluten considerations in mind.

→ How do fresh herbs affect the flavor?

Fresh sage, rosemary, and oregano add brighter, more vibrant flavors than dried herbs, enhancing the stew’s complexity.

Old Fashioned Whiskey Beef

Hearty slow-cooked beef with whiskey, fresh vegetables, and herbs for a comforting meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
480 minutes
Total Time
500 minutes
Brought to You By: Nina

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: North American

Portions: 8 Serves (8 servings of 1.5 cups each)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free

What You'll Need

→ Meat

01 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ Herbs & Spices

04 1 ½ tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
05 1 ½ tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
06 ¾ tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
07 2 bay leaves

→ Vegetables

08 6 large fresh mushrooms, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
09 3 celery stalks, chopped (about ½ cup)
10 1 large onion, chopped
11 4 carrots, chopped (about 2 cups)
12 ⅓ cup okra
13 4 large potatoes, chopped

→ Liquids & Sauces

14 ½ cup whiskey (Jack Daniels or any gluten-free brand)
15 4 ½ cups beef broth
16 1 ½ tablespoons gluten-free Worcestershire sauce

→ Thickening Agent

17 4 tablespoons cornstarch
18 5 teaspoons water

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the beef cubes. Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over high heat and sear beef on all sides without cooking through to seal in juices and flavor.

Step 02

Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add seared beef, chopped vegetables, bay leaves, and fresh herbs to the slow cooker. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 03

Mix beef broth, whiskey, and Worcestershire sauce together. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.

Step 04

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 4 to 6 hours if time is limited. Slow and low cooking yields the best tenderness and flavor.

Step 05

About 20-30 minutes before cooking completion, combine cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and continue cooking until desired thickness is reached. Add more if necessary.

Step 06

Serve the stew warm alongside biscuits, dinner rolls, or low-point bread alternatives.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Searing the beef is crucial for sealing in flavor and ensuring the chunks hold together during slow cooking.
  2. Use fresh herbs for optimal flavor; dried can be substituted at half the amount but will yield less vibrant results.
  3. Whiskey’s alcohol content evaporates during cooking, making the dish family-friendly and gluten-free.
  4. Slow cooking on low heat for at least 6-8 hours produces the most tender and flavorful results.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Non-stick skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing spoon

Allergy Details

Read ingredient lists for allergens carefully, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains beef; free from gluten and dairy.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

The provided nutrition information is for guidance and shouldn't replace expert medical advice.
  • Calories: 218
  • Fat: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 12 grams
  • Proteins: 23 grams