When the weather cools and appetites grow heartier, a pot of slow cooker beef stew is just the thing to warm both body and soul. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying dish filled with tender chunks of beef, soft carrots and potatoes, and a broth so flavorful you’ll want to soak up every drop. Even better, the slow cooker handles most of the work for you.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this stew delivers home-cooked comfort with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a no-fuss, full-flavor meal. Browning the meat before it goes into the slow cooker adds an irresistible richness that elevates every bite. The vegetables cook down just enough to become soft and flavorful without falling apart. And with only a short prep time, it’s ideal for busy days when you still want to enjoy a homemade dinner. It’s the kind of classic, feel-good food that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Olive Oil
Used for searing the beef before slow cooking, olive oil adds flavor and helps develop a beautifully golden crust on the meat.
Beef Stew Meat or Chuck Roast
A well-marbled cut like chuck roast works best. When slow cooked, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
Salt and Pepper
Essential for seasoning the beef and vegetables. Don’t skip this simple step—it builds a solid foundation of flavor.
Yellow Onion
Chopped onions add sweetness and depth to the stew. They soften completely as the dish cooks, blending into the broth.
Minced Garlic
Just a small amount infuses the stew with warm, savory notes that complement the meat and vegetables.
Small Yellow Potatoes
These potatoes are ideal for slow cooking, as they hold their shape and develop a creamy texture.
Carrots
Cut into thick chunks, carrots bring natural sweetness and a bit of color to the stew.
Beef Broth
This is the base of your stew. Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt content to your taste.
Tomato Paste
A small amount of tomato paste provides a subtle tang and enhances the overall richness of the broth.
Dried Thyme
This earthy herb works wonderfully with beef and root vegetables, rounding out the flavors.
Bay Leaf
Simmered with the stew, the bay leaf adds a mild, herbal background note. Remember to remove it before serving.
Frozen Peas
Stirred in at the end, peas offer color, freshness, and just the right amount of sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour
Used to thicken the stew. Mixing it with hot broth before adding it back prevents clumps and ensures a smooth texture.
Fresh Parsley
A sprinkling of parsley just before serving adds brightness and a fresh finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This dish comes together with a few simple steps. Start by browning the beef to lock in flavor, then add the vegetables, broth, and seasonings to your slow cooker. The long cooking time does all the heavy lifting, turning everything into a deeply flavorful stew. A quick flour mixture stirred in at the end thickens the broth just enough to coat every bite. Peas and parsley are added right before serving for freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until browned on all sides. This step builds a flavorful base for your stew. - Prep the Vegetables
Dice one onion, peel and slice four carrots into thick pieces, and halve the yellow potatoes. Larger cuts will hold up better during the long cook time. - Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the browned beef in the slow cooker. Add the prepared vegetables, garlic, broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then add more salt and pepper to taste. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours. The beef should be tender enough to fall apart, and the vegetables should be soft. - Thicken the Stew
Scoop out ⅓ cup of liquid from the slow cooker and whisk it with flour in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir well. - Add the Peas and Finish
Stir in the frozen peas and chopped parsley. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes, until the stew has thickened slightly and the peas are tender. - Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Give the stew a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
Always take the time to brown your beef—it makes a big difference in flavor. Cut your vegetables into bigger pieces to prevent them from breaking down too much. When thickening the stew, be sure to whisk the flour into hot liquid to avoid lumps. Let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving so it can thicken naturally and develop even more flavor.
Details
Flavor: Rich, savory, and slightly sweet with herbal undertones
Texture: Tender beef and vegetables in a thick, velvety broth
Occasion: Ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or chilly evenings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (LOW) or 4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
Try using red potatoes or Yukon Golds for a different texture. If you’re avoiding gluten, substitute cornstarch for the flour. A splash of red wine adds extra richness. You can also toss in a handful of green beans or mushrooms for added variety.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 426 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Protein | 57 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 147 mg |
| Sodium | 515 mg |
| Potassium | 1093 mg |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 7100 IU |
| Vitamin C | 23.8 mg |
| Calcium | 71 mg |
| Iron | 8.3 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What cut of beef should I use for slow cooker stew?
Chuck roast is the best choice. It’s flavorful and becomes tender after long, slow cooking.
Is it necessary to brown the beef first?
While you can skip it, browning the meat builds flavor and improves the final taste.
How can I make the stew thicker?
Use a mixture of flour and hot broth, then stir it into the stew and cook for 30 more minutes.
Can I freeze leftover beef stew?
Yes, allow it to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, let the stew cool fully, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to thin the stew if it has thickened. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stew | Easy, Comforting Family Classic
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth make this slow cooker stew the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 ½ pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast, cubed
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound small yellow potatoes, halved
4 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
3 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper and brown on all sides.
2. Chop the onion, carrots, and potatoes into large pieces.
3. Place browned beef in the slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and season as needed.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
5. Remove 1/3 cup of liquid and whisk it with flour until smooth. Pour back into the stew and stir to thicken.
6. Add peas and parsley, then cook for 30 minutes more on HIGH.
7. Remove bay leaf and serve hot.
Notes
Use red wine for added depth.
Cornstarch can replace flour for a gluten-free version.
Cut vegetables large to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 426
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 515
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 57
- Cholesterol: 147
Conclusion
This slow cooker beef stew is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum reward, it delivers deep, savory flavors that satisfy every time. Whether you’re serving it to your family or freezing it for future meals, this recipe brings comfort and convenience together in one warm bowl. Try it once and it just might become your new favorite go-to meal.