Why You’ll Love This
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply while making the beef incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal effort—just add everything to the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Ingredients
● 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
● 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
● 1 teaspoon salt
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 small onion, chopped
● 3 cloves garlic, minced
● 4 cups beef broth
● 2 tablespoons tomato paste
● 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
● 1 teaspoon dried thyme
● 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
● 3 carrots, sliced
● 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
● 2 celery stalks, sliced
● 1 cup frozen peas
● 1 bay leaf
● 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Instructions
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Prepare the Beef
In a bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until lightly coated. -
Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. -
Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery. -
Prepare the Broth
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. -
Combine Everything
Pour the broth mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaf. -
Cook the Stew
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender. -
Add the Peas
Stir in the frozen peas during the last 20 minutes of cooking. -
Adjust Seasoning
Taste and add additional salt or pepper if needed. -
Serve
Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
● Slow cooker (crockpot)
● Skillet (for browning beef)
● Mixing bowl
● Knife and cutting board
● Measuring cups and spoons
● Wooden spoon or spatula
Tips
● Use beef chuck for the most tender stew meat.
● Browning the beef adds extra depth of flavor, but it can be skipped if you’re short on time.
● If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
● Add mushrooms or parsnips for extra vegetable variety.
● Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for brighter flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Beef Stew pairs wonderfully with:
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Crusty bread or sourdough
-
Mashed potatoes
-
Buttered egg noodles
-
Steamed green beans
-
A simple garden salad
It’s a perfect meal for cold evenings or cozy family dinners.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. Add a little broth if the stew thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I make beef stew without browning the meat first?
Yes. Browning adds flavor, but the stew will still cook well if you skip this step.
2. Can I cook this stew on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 1½–2 hours until the beef is tender.
3. Why is my beef tough in stew?
Beef becomes tender when cooked low and slow. If it’s tough, it may need more cooking time.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a rich, hearty, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dinner waiting for you. With tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this classic recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 520 mg
