🎉 Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food — tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that simmers all day until every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, this dish is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty dinner waiting for you.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Large skillet (for browning beef, optional but recommended)
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 Meats:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
🥕 Fruits & Vegetables:
- 3 large carrots, sliced into chunks
- 3 potatoes, diced into large cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
🥫 Canned Goods:
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
🌿 Spices & Seasonings:
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🫒 Oils & Vinegars:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning beef)
🥄 Other:
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging beef)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1 – Prepare the Beef
- Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss in flour to coat.
Step 2 – Brown the Beef (optional but adds flavor)
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Brown beef in batches until all sides are seared, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
5. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
Step 3 – Add Vegetables
6. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Step 4 – Build the Stew Base
7. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, and bay leaves.
8. Mix well to combine.
Step 5 – Slow Cook
9. Cover and cook on Low for 8–9 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Step 6 – Serve
10. Remove bay leaves.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
12. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8 portions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–9 hours (Low) or 4–5 hours (High)
- Total Time: 8–9½ hours
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
🥄 Variations
- Wine-Free Depth: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for richness.
- More Veggies: Add parsnips, mushrooms, or green beans in the last hour of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for dredging.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Do I have to brown the beef first?
No, but it adds extra flavor. - Can I use stew meat instead of chuck roast?
Yes, but chuck roast becomes more tender. - Can I thicken the stew?
Mix cornstarch with water and stir in during the last 30 minutes. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day. - Can I add frozen vegetables?
Yes, add them in the last hour of cooking. - What’s the best beef cut for stew?
Chuck roast for its marbling and tenderness. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough. - Can I cook on the stovetop instead?
Yes, simmer on low for about 2½–3 hours. - Can I add noodles instead of potatoes?
Yes, but cook them separately and stir in before serving. - What sides go well with beef stew?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is hearty, flavorful, and easy — just set it in the morning and come home to a warm, satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Tender, Flavorful & Comforting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss in flour to coat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown beef in batches until all sides are seared, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
- Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, and bay leaves.
- Mix well to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 8–9 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
No, but it adds extra flavor. Can I use stew meat instead of chuck roast?
Yes, but chuck roast becomes more tender. Can I thicken the stew?
Mix cornstarch with water and stir in during the last 30 minutes. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Can I add frozen vegetables?
Yes, add them in the last hour of cooking. What’s the best beef cut for stew?
Chuck roast for its marbling and tenderness. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if your slow cooker is large enough. Can I cook on the stovetop instead?
Yes, simmer on low for about 2½–3 hours. Can I add noodles instead of potatoes?
Yes, but cook them separately and stir in before serving. What sides go well with beef stew?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a green salad. 🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is hearty, flavorful, and easy — just set it in the morning and come home to a warm, satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
