Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Few dishes embody the essence of comfort food like a hearty beef stew. With tender chunks of beef, earthy vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate dish to warm you up on a chilly day or impress guests with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop slowly, creating a stew that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours on the stove, but without the constant supervision.

This recipe takes classic beef stew ingredients and transforms them into a rich, satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners, Sunday lunches, or meal prep for the week. With step-by-step instructions, tips for thickening the broth, and suggestions for serving, this recipe is ideal for both beginner and experienced home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, juicy beef: Slow cooking ensures every bite melts in your mouth.
• Flavor-packed broth: A combination of beef broth, vegetable juice, Worcestershire sauce, and spices delivers rich depth.
• Vegetable-loaded: Potatoes, carrots, and onions make this stew a complete meal.
• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does the work while you focus on other tasks.
• Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknights or Sunday dinners.
• Make-ahead friendly: Cook in advance and reheat without losing flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 8 people, with each serving providing a satisfying portion of protein, vegetables, and comforting broth.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1–1½-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables:

• 1 pound baby new potatoes, halved
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick pieces
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed

Liquid & Flavor Base:

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup vegetable juice (such as V8)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings & Herbs:

• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk and small bowl for slurry
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker and Sear the Beef

1. Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Season beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
4. Sear the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until evenly browned. Browning locks in flavor and improves the stew’s depth.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Place the seared beef in the slow cooker.
2. Add potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic on top of the beef.

Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Broth

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 cups beef broth
   • 1 cup vegetable juice
   • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
   • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
   • 1 sprig thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
2. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
3. Add 2 bay leaves and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Step 4: Slow Cook

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
2. Cook on low heat for 7–8 hours. The low, slow heat allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons flour and ½ cup of the hot stew broth to create a slurry.
2. Slowly stir the slurry back into the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Add Peas and Finish

1. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in ½ cup thawed peas.
2. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig before serving.

Step 7: Serve

1. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve immediately with warm bread, over rice, or on its own as a hearty meal.

Tips & Variations

• Extra vegetables: Add parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for a richer stew.
• Wine addition: Add ½ cup red wine to the broth for added depth.
• Thicker stew: For a thicker broth, use 4 tablespoons of flour or simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• Slow cooker shortcut: Skip searing if short on time, though searing enhances flavor.
• Leftovers: Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Flavor Profile

• Savory and rich: Slow-cooked beef with Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste.
• Smoky and aromatic: Smoked paprika, mustard seeds, and thyme add layers of flavor.
• Earthy and hearty: Potatoes and carrots balance the savory broth.
• Comforting texture: Tender beef melts in your mouth while vegetables remain perfectly cooked.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep vegetables and beef in advance: Store in a covered container in the fridge and add to the slow cooker in the morning.
• Cook and store: Make the stew ahead and refrigerate for 3–4 days. Reheat gently to maintain flavor and texture.
• Freeze for convenience: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes. Chuck roast is ideal for tenderness, but brisket or short ribs work as well.

Q2: Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cooking on high will reduce cooking time to 4–5 hours, though the beef may be slightly less tender.

Q3: How do I prevent the stew from being watery?
Use the flour slurry to thicken or cook uncovered on high for the last 30 minutes.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, replace flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Celery, parsnips, mushrooms, or green beans can enhance the stew.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Prep Ingredients	15 min	Chop vegetables, cut beef, season
Sear Beef	5–10 min	Optional, enhances flavor
Slow Cook	7–8 hrs	Low for tender beef
Thicken Stew	30 min	Add slurry and cook on high
Finish & Serve	5 min	Add peas and garnish

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in deep bowls with crusty bread to soak up the broth.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley for color and brightness.
• Add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, if desired.

Recipe Variations

1. Red Wine Beef Stew: Add ½ cup red wine to the broth.
2. Root Vegetable Stew: Include parsnips, turnips, or rutabaga.
3. Spicy Beef Stew: Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for heat.
4. Herbed Stew: Fresh rosemary or sage adds a fragrant layer of flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Beef Chuck Roast:

• High in marbling, perfect for slow cooking.
• Develops tender, juicy texture over hours of low heat.

Smoked Paprika & Mustard Seeds:

• Adds smoky warmth and depth to the broth.
• Balances savory flavors with subtle spice.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sear beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure browning.
• Use fresh herbs if available; dried works in a pinch.
• Stir occasionally during thickening to prevent lumps.
• Allow stew to rest 10 minutes before serving to intensify flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove or in a slow cooker with a splash of broth.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	341 kcal	Per serving
Protein	26 g	Beef is high-protein
Fat	17 g	From beef and olive oil
Carbohydrates	23 g	Vegetables and broth
Fiber	4 g	From potatoes and carrots

Expanded Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food: hearty, flavorful, and effortless to make. With tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or Sunday family meals.

Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully, and with simple steps for thickening and garnishing, this stew feels restaurant-quality at home. Serve it with bread, mashed potatoes, or rice, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies both heart and soul.

With this recipe in your kitchen arsenal, you’ll always have a go-to comforting meal that’s flexible, flavorful, and full of love.

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