Let’s Talk About Comfort
Whenever the weather cools down or I need a hearty meal that practically cooks itself, I reach for my Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe. There’s just something about the aroma of tender beef, carrots, and potatoes simmering all day in a rich, savory broth that feels like home. It’s one of those classic stew beef recipes crockpot lovers will make again and again because it’s easy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
I love that this stew requires so little effort just a bit of prep in the morning, and by dinnertime, my kitchen smells incredible. The slow cooker does all the magic while I get on with my day, and the result is tender, fall-apart beef in a silky, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to each spoonful.
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty, flavorful slow cooker beef stew with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and herbs simmered to perfection. The perfect cozy dinner made easy in your crockpot.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cubed)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef on all sides.
- Transfer beef to the slow cooker with onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken. Cook 10 minutes more.
- Taste, season, and serve hot with parsley on top.
Notes
Browning the beef adds extra flavor but is optional.
Add frozen peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking for color and sweetness.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner / Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 890
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Why I Love This Stew
This isn’t just any easy beef stew it’s rich, rustic, and completely foolproof. The slow cooker locks in flavor, giving you that deep, slow-cooked taste without having to watch the pot.
Here’s why I make this recipe so often:
- Effortless prep just chop, stir, and let it cook.
- Perfect texture beef that melts in your mouth, veggies that hold their shape.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs, wines, or root vegetables.
- Meal prep friendly it reheats beautifully.
- Family-approved comfort food that tastes like it’s been simmering all day (because it has!).
Related Recipes
It’s hearty, cozy, and everything you want in a bowl of stew.
Recipe
What You’ll Need
The Essentials
- Beef Stew Meat: Cubed chuck roast or stew beef works best it stays tender and juicy.
- Carrots, Potatoes, and Celery: The classic trio for body and texture.
- Onion and Garlic: For a flavorful base.
- Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: Add depth and richness.
- Beef Broth: Keeps the stew moist and flavorful.
- Herbs: I use thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf for that warm, earthy aroma.
- Flour or Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce at the end.
Optional Add-Ins
- Peas or Green Beans for extra color and sweetness.
- Red Wine for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Mushrooms for a hearty texture.
- Parsnips or Sweet Potatoes for a twist on traditional veggies.
Everything slow cooks into a thick, velvety stew that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Here’s How I Make It
Step 1: Brown the beef (optional but worth it).
I start by searing the beef in a skillet with a little oil until it gets a golden crust. This locks in flavor, though you can skip it if you’re in a rush.
Step 2: Load the slow cooker.
In the crockpot, I add the browned beef, onion, carrots, potatoes, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and beef broth. Everything gets a quick stir to mix well.
Step 3: Let it cook low and slow.
I cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for 4–5 hours. During this time, the stew transforms the beef turns tender, the veggies soak up the broth, and the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 4: Thicken the sauce.
When it’s ready, I mix a spoonful of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew. After another 10 minutes, the broth thickens into a luscious gravy.
Step 5: Taste and serve.
I season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of parsley before serving. The stew is rich, savory, and full of warmth the kind of meal that makes everyone go quiet for the first few bites.
If you’re into slow cooker comfort meals, you’ll also love my Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup and Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole. For something a little different, try my Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole or the classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast they’re all cozy, simple favorites.
Make It Your Way
This recipe is endlessly flexible. Here are a few ways I change it up depending on my mood or what’s in my pantry:
- Wine Lover’s Stew: Add half a cup of red wine before slow cooking for extra richness.
- Hearty Veggie Version: Use extra carrots, mushrooms, and peas instead of beef.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper.
- Low-Carb Swap: Skip the potatoes and add turnips or cauliflower florets.
- Quick Thickener: For a thicker stew, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to reduce the broth.
And when there’s a little stew left over, I love serving it over mashed potatoes or even noodles for another comforting meal.
Before You Go
There’s just something magical about a pot of Slow Cooker Beef Stew simmering away all day. It fills the house with warmth and promises a delicious dinner without fuss. Whether it’s for Sunday supper or a cozy weeknight meal, this stew never disappoints.
If you make it, share your twist with me! And if you love easy slow cooker dinners, you’ll definitely want to try my Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, Crockpot Salsa Chicken, or crowd-favorite Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip.
