Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This classic dish brings together tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth that slowly simmers to perfection over several hours. The magic of the slow cooker allows simple ingredients to transform into a thick, savory stew with melt-in-your-mouth beef and vegetables infused with robust flavor. Perfect for cold evenings, busy days, or cozy family dinners, slow cooker beef stew is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless and incredibly rewarding. A few minutes of prep in the morning leads to a house filled with comforting aromas and a ready-to-eat, nourishing meal by dinner time. The beef turns unbelievably tender, and the flavors deepen beautifully as it cooks—this is comfort cooking at its best.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Set-it-and-forget-it convenience
• Deep, rich flavors from slow cooking
• Budget-friendly and filling
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Comfort food that pleases everyone

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving (approx.)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at end)

Cooking Directions

1. Season beef with salt and pepper, then toss with flour.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Brown beef in batches until seared on all sides.
4. Transfer beef to slow cooker.
5. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic.
6. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and bay leaves.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
8. Add peas during the last 20 minutes if using.
9. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep Ingredients: Chop vegetables and cube beef.
2. Season & Flour Beef: Enhances browning and thickens stew.
3. Brown Beef: Locks in flavor and adds depth.
4. Assemble Stew: Layer beef, vegetables, and liquids in slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook: Allow flavors to develop over hours.
6. Finish & Serve: Add peas, adjust seasoning, and enjoy.

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How to Serve

Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It’s perfect with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or over mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

• Use beef chuck for best tenderness
• Brown the beef—don’t skip this step
• Cut vegetables evenly for uniform cooking
• Thicken stew further by mashing a few potatoes into the broth

Variations (Detailed)

• Red Wine Beef Stew: Replace 1 cup broth with dry red wine
• Low-Carb Version: Use turnips instead of potatoes
• Spicy Stew: Add crushed red pepper or chili powder
• Herb-Forward: Add fresh thyme and rosemary near the end
• Mushroom Beef Stew: Add sliced mushrooms for extra umami

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Thaw overnight and reheat on stovetop or microwave

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• Large skillet (for browning beef)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the definition of cozy comfort food—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and rich, slow-developed flavors, it’s a recipe that delivers every single time. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something comforting, this slow cooker classic deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.