Slow Cooker Beef Stew with 3 Simple Ingredients

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Description:

This easy slow cooker beef stew recipe uses just three ingredients to create a rich, flavorful meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Perfect for busy days, this recipe requires minimal prep but delivers maximum taste. Just toss the cubed beef and ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and come back to tender, delicious beef stew.

Ingredients For

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with 3 Simple Ingredients

  • 2 lbs raw cubed beef (stew meat or chuck roast cut into cubes)

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery for a different flavor)

  • 1 cup beef broth or stock

  • Optional: salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Beef: Trim excess fat from the beef cubes if needed.

  2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the cubed beef in the slow cooker. Pour the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup over the beef, then add the beef broth.

  3. Mix Gently: Stir gently to combine the soup and broth with the beef cubes, but do not overly mix.

  4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and cooked through.

  5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes:

  • Using a lean cut of beef or trimming fat beforehand helps reduce grease.

  • For extra flavor, you can add diced onions, garlic, or herbs like thyme or rosemary.

  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Tips:

  • Browning the beef cubes in a pan before adding to the slow cooker enhances the flavor but is optional.

  • Adding vegetables like carrots and potatoes can make this a one-pot meal.

  • Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.

Servings:

Serves 4-6

Nutritional Info (per serving, approximate):

  • Calories: 350

  • Protein: 35g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Carbohydrates: 5g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sodium: 600mg (varies based on broth and soup brand)

Benefits:

  • Minimal prep and ingredients required

  • Slow cooking method tenderizes cheaper cuts of beef

  • High in protein and comforting, perfect for cold days

Q/A:

Q: Can I use frozen beef cubes?
A: Yes, but it will increase cooking time by about an hour.

Q: Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
A: Yes, cream of celery or cream of chicken work well, or you can make a homemade sauce base.

Q: How do I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free soup and broth brands.

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