Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482571H29M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup red wine (or additional beef broth); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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There’s something about the aroma of beef stew slowly cooking away in the slow cooker that just makes you feel cozy inside. It’s like a hug in a bowl. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the kind of meal you can set and forget, letting the flavors meld together while you go about your day. Picture tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. And the best part? It’s the perfect meal for busy days when you still want something comforting and delicious at the end of the day. Trust me, this one’s going to be your new favorite fall and winter dinner.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Set-It-and-Forget-It

One of the best things about this stew is how easy it is to make. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set the timer, and let the magic happen. It’s as simple as that!

Hearty & Satisfying

This beef stew is packed with tender meat, vegetables, and a flavorful broth that’s the perfect balance of rich and comforting. It’s a full meal that leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy.

Perfect for Cold Weather

When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of this stew. It’s the perfect way to warm up after a chilly day, and the flavors only get better as it simmers.

Makes Great Leftovers

Beef stew is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner, and it reheats beautifully.

Customizable

Like most stews, this recipe is versatile. Feel free to add in your favorite veggies, or switch up the seasonings to suit your taste. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge and use up whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you need to make this cozy, comforting stew:

For the Stew:

Beef Chuck Roast: This is the best cut for stew because it’s tender and full of flavor when slow-cooked. You could also use stew meat if you prefer.
Carrots: Adds a natural sweetness and a nice pop of color to the stew.

Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best, creating a creamy, satisfying texture in the stew.
Onion: Provides the base for a flavorful broth.
Garlic: A must for depth of flavor.

Celery: Adds a slight crunch and fresh taste.
Beef Broth: This forms the rich, savory base of the stew.
Tomato Paste: For a rich, tangy flavor that deepens the broth.

Herbs: Bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary are perfect for infusing that classic stew flavor.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the stew perfectly.

For the Thickening (optional):

Cornstarch: If you prefer a thicker stew, cornstarch will do the trick. Simply make a slurry with water to thicken the broth.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 350

Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g

Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g

Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 800mg
Potassium: 950mg

Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Vitamin A: 100% DV

Vitamin C: 20% DV

This stew is filling, flavorful, and packed with protein, making it a balanced option for a meal.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours

Instructions

Making this Slow Cooker Beef Stew couldn’t be easier. Here’s how:

Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef chuck roast on all sides. This step adds a deeper, richer flavor to the stew. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but browning adds so much to the flavor!

Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. Add all the chopped vegetables to the slow cooker along with the beef.

Add the Broth & Seasonings

Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything.

Set & Forget

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender, and the vegetables should be perfectly cooked.

Optional: Thicken the Stew

If you like your stew thicker, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir until thickened to your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaves and serve! Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal with a slice of warm bread or a side salad.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

With Crusty Bread

Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s the perfect way to soak up all that delicious broth.

Green Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the stew and add a refreshing touch.

Roasted Vegetables

If you’re craving more veggies, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or even roasted carrots would make a lovely side dish.

Mashed Potatoes

For a super hearty meal, serve the beef stew over mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food combo!

Additional Tips

Brown the Beef for Extra Flavor

While it’s optional, browning the beef first will create a deep, rich flavor that will take your stew to the next level. Don’t skip it if you have the time!

Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to toss in any additional veggies you have on hand—parsnips, turnips, or even peas all make great additions to this stew.

Make It Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no need to make any swaps. Just be sure to double-check your beef broth to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove until warmed through.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes, if you prefer, you can use stew meat or even brisket. Just make sure the meat is suitable for slow cooking to get that tender texture.

Q2: Can I skip browning the beef?
A2: You can, but browning the beef first adds a lot of flavor. If you’re in a rush, feel free to skip it, though!

Q3: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! This stew is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Q4: How can I make the stew thicker?
A4: If you want a thicker stew, use a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q5: Can I make this stew in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
A5: Yes! You can cook this in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot on high for about 35 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables?
A6: Definitely! You can add vegetables like parsnips, peas, or even butternut squash for a different twist.

Q7: Can I make this stew without potatoes?
A7: Sure! You can substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes or even add more carrots and parsnips if you want to skip the starchy veggies.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q9: Can I freeze this beef stew?
A9: Yes, beef stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q10: How can I make this stew spicier?
A10: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a chopped chili pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the stew for an extra kick.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate cozy meal. With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, it’s perfect for chilly days when you want something comforting and satisfying. The best part? You can set it and forget it, so you have a delicious meal ready and waiting when you need it most. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this beef stew will always hit the spot. Enjoy every warm, hearty spoonful!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew