If you’re after melt-in-your-mouth comfort and ease all in one dish, you absolutely need to try this Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory, rich broth come together in the slow cooker, delivering a hands-off meal that feels like a warm hug by dinnertime. Bursting with classic flavors and made from everyday pantry staples, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again—especially on chilly nights when only the coziest food will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things simple but irresistible—each component of this Slow Cooker Beef Stew brings something special to the table. From the well-marbled chuck roast that melts into fork-tender bites to the pop of sweetness from carrots and peas, every ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and homey goodness.
- Beef chuck: Choose well-marbled, boneless chunks for meat that cooks up ultra-tender and flavorful.
- All-purpose flour: Tossing the beef in flour helps it brown beautifully and naturally thickens the stew while it simmers.
- Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance every mouthful; don’t forget to taste and adjust at the end!
- Olive oil: For sautéing the beef; it locks in juices and adds richness right from the start.
- Beef broth: Creates the base for a deeply savory, comforting stew—choose a good-quality broth for best results.
- Tomato paste: Adds tang and depth, rounding out the stew with a gentle acidity and color.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash of this infuses subtle umami notes that make the flavor truly pop.
- Garlic: Four cloves for a background warmth and classic stew aroma; mince them fresh for the best hit.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: These herbs bring a woodsy, aromatic accent that complements the beef beautifully.
- Bay leaf: Adds a slightly spicy, herbal note—just remember to fish it out before serving!
- Carrots and potatoes: Cook up sweet and tender, helping to bulk up the stew with classic comfort.
- Celery: Lends delicate earthiness and a touch of crunch to balance the richness.
- Yellow onion: Its gentle sweetness melds into the broth, reinforcing every layer of flavor.
- Frozen peas: Stirred in right at the finish to keep their color and texture gorgeously fresh and green.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Step 1: Coat and Brown the Beef
Grab a large bowl and toss your beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until every piece is nicely covered—this not only helps the meat brown perfectly, but it will give your stew body and thickness later. In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high and sear the beef in batches; you want a dark, caramelized crust on each side. Be patient here—the deeper the color, the richer the final stew!
Step 2: Build the Broth and Layer in Flavors
Once your beef is all beautifully browned, move it over to your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. These ingredients infuse the simmering stew with savory, herby depth and a subtle tang. Give everything a good mix to dissolve the tomato paste right into the broth, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion right into the slow cooker with the beef and broth mixture. These veggies not only add gorgeous color and heartiness, but as they cook low and slow, they soak up all those delicious juices—becoming tender, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and settle in—cook your Slow Cooker Beef Stew on low for 8 to 9 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked through. It’s almost magical how the flavors meld and grow richer with every hour.
Step 5: Finish with Peas and Adjust Seasoning
About 20 minutes before you want to eat, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll brighten up the stew with their color and sweetness without losing their vibrancy. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before serving! Taste and add more salt and pepper to make it just right for you.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme just before serving gives a lovely herbal finish and a pop of green that makes your Slow Cooker Beef Stew look as welcoming as it tastes. For a final flourish, try a pinch of flaky sea salt or even a quick grating of lemon zest for brightness.
Side Dishes
Thick slices of crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls are the perfect partners for soaking up every drop of the savory broth. Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also make fresh, uplifting sides that round out the meal into something truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Stew in rustic bowls with bread tucked right on the side, or ladle it over a bed of egg noodles or rice for a delightful twist. For gatherings, try offering it in mugs for a cozy, carry-around meal—trust me, it’s a fun way to serve stew at casual get-togethers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stew cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. In the fridge, it’ll keep beautifully for up to four days—the flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, making it an unbeatable make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This stew freezes like a dream! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving a little space for expansion) and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and you’ll have effortless homemade comfort ready whenever you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between each, for quick and easy leftovers. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened up too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is famous for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also try stew meat or even brisket—just be aware that leaner cuts won’t turn out as rich and melt-in-your-mouth delicious as chuck does.
What if I want my stew extra thick?
If you love a super-thick Slow Cooker Beef Stew, simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken up nicely without any lumps.
Can I prep everything in advance?
Definitely! You can chop all your veggies and cube the beef a day ahead, storing them in the fridge until ready to cook. In the morning, just brown the beef, toss everything in the slow cooker, and head off to work—dinner will be waiting.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend to coat the beef, and every other ingredient in this recipe is naturally gluten-free—making this a fantastic option for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
What should I do if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem. You can adapt this recipe using a Dutch oven or heavy pot—just brown the meat, add all the ingredients, bring to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and braise in a 325ºF oven for about 3 hours until everything is tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about coming home to a house filled with the aroma of a hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew bubbling away. I hope you give this recipe a try—whether you’re feeding family or savoring leftovers solo, it’s sure to warm you from the inside out and become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This slow cooker beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender beef, flavorful broth, and a medley of vegetables come together to create a delicious meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Broth:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
Veggies:
- 4 medium carrots (sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at end)
Instructions
- Coat Beef: Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper. Brown in batches in a skillet.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, and veggies. Cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Final Touch: Stir in frozen peas 20 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning and discard bay leaf.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew 30 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
