Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chunks of beef are slow-simmered with carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions in a rich, savory broth. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days. The best part? Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!

 Ingredients For Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 4 medium carrots, sliced

  • 3 medium potatoes, diced

  • 3 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)

  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 Instructions

  1. Prep the Beef

    • Season beef chunks with salt and pepper, then coat lightly with flour.

  2. Brown the Meat (optional, but recommended)

    • Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear beef on all sides until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.

  3. Assemble the Stew

    • Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.

    • Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

  4. Slow Cook

    • Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.

  5. Thicken the Stew (optional)

    • Mix cornstarch with water, stir into stew, and cook for an extra 15 minutes until thickened.

  6. Serve

    • Remove bay leaves, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Servings

  • Makes 6 servings

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 380 kcal

  • Protein: 32g

  • Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Fat: 16g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sodium: 750mg

Notes

  • Browning the beef isn’t required but adds a richer flavor.

  • Use beef chuck for best results—it becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.

  • Can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a twist.

 Tips

  • For deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine with the broth.

  • If you like a thicker stew, mash some potatoes inside the stew instead of using cornstarch.

  • Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Benefits

  • High protein from beef helps muscle repair and satiety.

  • Rich in vitamins and fiber from veggies, keeping it wholesome and hearty.

  • Easy prep—just a few minutes of work for a flavorful family meal.

  • Budget-friendly—uses simple, everyday ingredients.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this without browning the beef first?
A: Yes, you can skip this step, but browning adds depth of flavor.

Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Mushrooms, parsnips, peas, or turnips work wonderfully.

Q: Can I cook it overnight?
A: Yes! Set it on LOW for 8 hours—perfect for an overnight or workday cook.

Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: Use cornstarch instead of flour to coat the beef and thicken the stew.

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: You can, but cooking time may be less since chicken cooks faster.

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