Nothing warms you up on a chilly evening quite like Slow Cooker Beef Stew. This classic dish is rich, hearty, and super easy to make using your trusty slow cooker. The tender chunks of beef, sweet and earthy vegetables, and savory broth combine into a bowl of comfort that feels like a hug from the inside. Whether you’re feeding a big family or just looking to prep meals for the week, this no-fuss recipe will quickly become a go-to crowd-pleaser. Bonus: Your house will smell absolutely amazing while this simmers all day!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Let me tell you why Slow Cooker Beef Stew is all kinds of amazing. First of all, it’s one of those dishes that always hits the spot, no matter the season. But let’s be honest—it’s especially amazing when it’s cold outside and you just want something warm and hearty. Think of it as a warm sweater in food form. Historically, beef stew has been a go-to comfort meal for centuries, with every culture having its own spin on the classic meat-and-veggie combo. What makes this version special is how ridiculously simple it is to put together, thanks to your slow cooker. You’ll chop a few ingredients, toss them in, turn the dial, and then get on with your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth stew ready to serve. And even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just short on time, don’t worry! This one’s almost foolproof. Bonus points if you pair it with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that broth.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses a trusty slow cooker for hands-off cooking
- Ideal for busy schedules or lazy weekends
- Classic, hearty flavor that appeals to all ages
- Customize the ingredients to match your pantry
- Perfect for bulk cooking and meal prep
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chuck roast: For tender, flavorful beef. You can swap this with brisket or stew meat.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best. Sweet potatoes can be used for a sweeter twist.
- Carrots: Add sweetness and color. Baby carrots are an easy substitute for chopped carrots.
- Celery: Gives the broth an earthy depth. If you’re not a fan, just add extra carrots or potatoes.
- Onions and garlic: Flavor powerhouses that should not be skipped. Shallots or onion powder could work in a pinch.
- Beef broth: Heart of the stew’s flavor. Vegetable broth will work, but the result will be less rich.
- Flour: For thickening the broth. Cornstarch or gluten-free flour works as a substitute.
- Herbs: Classic choices include thyme and bay leaves. Rosemary or parsley also great additions!
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Start by cutting your chuck roast into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in flour, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Heat a skillet with oil on medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches till browned on all sides (this locks in flavor!).
- Place the seared beef into your slow cooker. Add in chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and minced garlic.
- Pour beef broth over the ingredients. Toss in your herbs (thyme, a bay leaf, etc.) for that perfect aroma.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW for 8-10 hours, or HIGH for 4-6 hours, depending on your schedule.
- An hour before serving, taste test. If you’d prefer a thicker broth, mix some cornstarch with water, add it in, and let it simmer for the remaining time.
- Once ready, fish out the bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Don’t skip browning the meat—it’s an extra step, but it makes the stew so much richer.
If you’ve got time, let it cook on LOW for the full 10 hours. Low and slow wins!
Want some extra flavor? A splash of red wine in the broth goes a long way.
Remember to taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Freshly ground pepper and a pinch of salt elevate the stew’s flavor.
Thickening the broth with flour or cornstarch adds that cozy, comforting vibe.
Variations and Customizations
For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for cornstarch.
Ditch the beef for a plant-based protein like mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Play around with spices—paprika or cumin can add a smoky depth.
Love heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne!
Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Slow Cooker Beef Stew packs approximately 300-400 calories, depending on portion size. It’s a balanced meal that offers a protein boost (thanks to the beef), hearty carbs from the potatoes, and a ton of vitamins and fiber from the veggies. Plus, it’s naturally rich in iron and low in sugar. Looking to cut back on sodium? Opt for low-sodium broth.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Keep your leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, let frozen stew thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it warms up evenly.
Recipe Card of Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients list
- 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch pieces
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 4 medium carrots sliced
- 3 medium potatoes diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 large bay leaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go.
- Introduce the succulent beef chunks into your slow cooker, ready to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the beef thoroughly, ensuring every piece is enveloped.
- Toss in the inviting beef broth, crunchy carrots, hearty potatoes, onions, celery, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic, and bay leaf. Stir to combine the wonderful flavors.
- Cover the mixture. Allow the beef to cook until fork-tender, setting the cooker on Low for an 8 to 12-hour simmer, or High for a 4 to 6-hour quick meal.
- Savor the warmth as you serve this delectable stew hot. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I skip searing the beef?
Technically, you can, but searing adds a rich depth of flavor that you’d miss out on.
Can I make this stew on the stovetop?
Yes! Just simmer the ingredients in a large pot for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
What’s the best cut of meat for stews?
Chuck roast is the gold standard, but brisket or even short ribs work great, too.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s savory and not spicy, so most kids will love it—especially if you pair it with some buttery rolls.
What should I serve with beef stew?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even a light side salad pairs wonderfully with this dish.
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe looks amazing! I love how it blends tender beef with hearty veggies and a rich broth—pure comfort food! I might add rosemary for a flavor twist.