This hearty and comforting slow cooker beef stew is packed with tender beef, rich broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for chilly nights or busy days!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Free: Let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Rich & Flavorful: Slow cooking brings out deep, savory flavors.
- Hearty & Nutritious: Packed with protein, veggies, and fiber.
Ingredients
- Beef Chuck Roast (2 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Onion (1 large, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Carrots (3, chopped)
- Potatoes (3 medium, diced)
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp)
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp)
- Beef Broth (4 cups)
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz)
- Bay Leaf (1)
- Thyme (1 tsp, dried)
- Paprika (1 tsp)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp, mixed with ¼ cup water for thickening, optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
1. Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add the Vegetables & Seasonings
Add onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until the beef is tender.
4. Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice.
What to Serve With It
- Buttery dinner rolls or cornbread
- A fresh green salad
- Steamed rice or mashed potatoes for extra heartiness
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Use the Right Cut: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender over slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the beef first adds depth to the flavor.
- Add Peas at the End: If you want to add peas, stir them in during the last 10 minutes.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes! Stew meat or short ribs work well.
Can I make it in an Instant Pot? Yes! Use the pressure cook function for 35 minutes, then natural release.
What other veggies can I add? Mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans are great additions.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, with tender beef, rich broth, and wholesome veggies. Perfect for meal prep, cozy dinners, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 38g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 600mg
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
This hearty and comforting slow cooker beef stew is packed with tender beef, rich broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for chilly nights or busy days!
Love good food? Subscribe to our newsletter and get this recipe, plus more tasty surprises, sent straight to you!
Ingredients
- Beef Chuck Roast (2 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Onion (1 large, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Carrots (3, chopped)
- Potatoes (3 medium, diced)
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp)
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp)
- Beef Broth (4 cups)
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz)
- Bay Leaf (1)
- Thyme (1 tsp, dried)
- Paprika (1 tsp)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp, mixed with ¼ cup water for thickening, optional)
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add the Vegetables & Seasonings
Add onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until the beef is tender.
4. Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- Use the Right Cut: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender over slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the beef first adds depth to the flavor.
- Add Peas at the End: If you want to add peas, stir them in during the last 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
- Cuisine: American
