Slow cooker beef stew is the perfect comfort food. It’s hearty, warm, and full of flavor. Best of all, you can let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. This stew is loaded with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s a great meal for busy days or when you want something filling and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
The key to a good beef stew is slow cooking, which allows the flavors to blend together perfectly. The beef becomes tender, and the vegetables absorb the delicious broth. Serve this stew with some crusty bread for an easy and tasty dinner that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ingredients
– 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 3 cups beef broth
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Directions
1. Brown the beef (optional): Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
2. Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Place the browned beef (or raw, if skipping the browning step) in the slow cooker. Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
3. Mix the broth: In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender, and the vegetables should be soft.
5. Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and season the stew with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
How to Prepare:
Making slow cooker beef stew is easy. Simply brown the beef, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it simmer all day. By the time it’s done, the meat will be tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked. If you like your stew thicker, you can easily thicken it near the end of cooking.
Preparation Time:
– Prep time: 15 minutes
– Cook time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
– Total time: 7-8 hours
Servings:
– Serves 6 people
Slow Cooker Beef Stew FAQs
1. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add celery, peas, or green beans to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Do I have to brown the beef?
Browning the beef adds extra flavor but isn’t necessary. You can skip this step if you’re short on time.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like beef brisket or round roast, but beef chuck works best because it becomes very tender when slow-cooked.
5. Can I make this stew without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can simmer the stew on the stove over low heat for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender, or use a Dutch oven in the oven at 325°F for 2-3 hours.
Conclusion
Slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cold days or whenever you need a hearty, filling meal. It’s easy to make, with minimal prep and plenty of rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this beef stew will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Serve it with bread, rice, or enjoy it on its own – it’s satisfying and delicious either way!
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty, comforting beef stew slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and rich broth. This dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- ? 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ? 1 onion, chopped
- ? 3 carrots, sliced
- ? 4 medium potatoes, diced
- ? 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ? 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- ? 4 cups beef broth
- ? 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ? 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ? 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ? 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ? Salt and pepper to taste
- ? Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients:
Cut the beef, chop the vegetables, and mince the garlic.
2️⃣ Sear the Beef (Optional):
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef cubes in a little olive oil until browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
3️⃣ Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:
Place the beef, chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. ??
4️⃣ Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
5️⃣ Serve:
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your hearty slow cooker beef stew! ?️?
Notes
◻️ This stew is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day!
◻️ Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for added nutrition! ?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American