Slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for chilly days, easy weeknight dinners, or meal prepping for the week. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Off – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook.
- Rich & Hearty – Tender beef and veggies in a savory, flavorful broth.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- One-Pot Meal – No extra dishes to clean.
- Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Potatoes (cubed)
- Onion (chopped)
- Celery (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef broth
- Red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Flour (or cornstarch, for thickening)
- Olive oil
- Salt & black pepper
- Thyme (dried or fresh)
- Bay leaves
Directions
- Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended) – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Layer the Vegetables – Add carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Mix the Broth – In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine (if using). Pour over the beef and vegetables.
- Add Seasonings – Stir in thyme and add bay leaves.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the Stew – About 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew to thicken.
- Serve & Enjoy – Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley (optional), and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Variations
- Spicy Beef Stew – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Mushroom Beef Stew – Stir in sliced mushrooms for extra depth.
- Gluten-Free – Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
- Low-Carb Version – Swap potatoes for cauliflower or turnips.
- Garlic Butter Stew – Stir in 2 tablespoons of garlic butter before serving for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- Freezing – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes, but browning adds extra depth of flavor to the stew.
What’s the best cut of beef for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender when slow-cooked.
Can I make this without potatoes?
Yes! Swap them for extra carrots, parsnips, or turnips.
How do I make the stew thicker?
Use a flour or cornstarch slurry and let it cook for an extra 30 minutes.
Can I add frozen vegetables?
Yes, but add them in the last hour of cooking so they don’t become mushy.
What can I serve with beef stew?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a side salad pair well.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Try pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different twist.
How do I prevent my stew from being too watery?
Use less broth or let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then do a natural release.
What’s the best way to add more flavor?
Use beef bouillon, a splash of soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar for extra richness.
Conclusion
Slow cooker beef stew is a classic, hearty meal that’s rich in flavor and perfect for any time of year. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a thick, savory broth, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort!
PrintSlow Cooker Beef Stew
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is hearty, flavorful, and packed with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and a rich, savory broth. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days, and the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Coat the beef – In a bowl, toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the beef – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Layer the ingredients – Add carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Slow cook – Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Thicken the stew (optional) – In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew. Add frozen peas. Cover and let it thicken.
- Serve & enjoy – Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread!
Notes
Best Meat Choice: Use chuck roast for the most tender beef.- Veggie Add-Ins: Try adding celery, mushrooms, or parsnips for variety.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep all ingredients the night before and store in the fridge for a quick morning start.