Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)

Sarah

Writer & Blogger

Beef Recipes
April 14, 2025

Slow Cooker Beef Stew: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe 🍲🥩🥕

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of slow cooker beef stew on a chilly day. This easy beef stew recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort. Imagine coming home to the aroma of tender beef and flavorful vegetables that have been simmering all day! Using a beef stew in slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s simply unmatched. It’s one of the easiest dinner options you can have.

Whether you call it crockpot beef stew or refer to it as a delightful slow cooker beef stew recipe, the result is always the same: a spectacularly satisfying and flavorful dish that the whole family will adore. This article will be your guided tour through each step, ensuring your slow cooker beef stew turns out perfectly every time. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to cooking tips, so you can confidently create a stew that rivals your favorite restaurant version. And if you love easy recipes, don’t forget to check our about us page to learn more about our mission!

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create a memorable slow cooker beef stew:

2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)

3. Equipment

Having the right tools on hand will make the cooking process smoother. Here’s a list of the essential equipment you’ll need:

Slow cooker (crockpot)
Large skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons and cups

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious slow cooker beef stew.

1. Sear the Beef and Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this step adds a rich, deep flavor to the slow cooker beef stew. Searing creates a beautiful crust that locks in the juices and enhances the overall taste. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This forms the base of a flavorful beef stew in slow cooker. Sautéing the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, which complements the savory beef perfectly.

Preparing the base vegetables in a slow cooker for a hearty beef stew.

2. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Place the seared beef on top of the vegetables. This layering ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly during the slow cooking process. By using a crockpot beef stew recipe, you are simplifying this process. Ensure the beef is evenly distributed for consistent cooking, a hallmark of an easy beef stew. This even distribution gives every bite that perfect and consistent slow cooked flavor. If you like beef recipes, check out our amazing beef recipes.

Seasoned beef cubes being layered into a slow cooker for a flavorful beef stew.

3. Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour the beef broth over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine. The broth should cover the beef and vegetables adequately to ensure even cooking and rich flavor. Seasoning is critical in creating a delicious slow cooker beef stew recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using homemade beef broth.

Adding beef broth to a slow cooker filled with beef and vegetables for beef stew.

4. Slow Cook and Finish

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become. During the last hour of cooking, add the cubed potatoes and frozen peas. Adding them too early can result in mushy potatoes. If you prefer a thicker stew, in a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This mixture is known as a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker beef stew and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until thickened. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Bay leaves add flavor during cooking but are not meant to be eaten. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting easy beef stew. You can even find more inspiration and recipes on external sites, such as The Cozy Cook, for even more variations.

Slow cooker simmering beef stew on a kitchen counter.

5. Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Here are some additional tips to ensure your slow cooker beef stew is a success:

Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooker beef stew as it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful during the long cooking process. Other cuts like brisket can also work well.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get otherwise. It’s a crucial step that shouldn’t be skipped.
Adjust the Liquid: Ensure the beef and vegetables are mostly covered with broth, but not drowning. This prevents a watery stew. If you find that your stew is too thick, add a little more broth.
Add Vegetables at the Right Time: Adding potatoes and peas towards the end prevents them from becoming mushy. Heartier vegetables like carrots and celery can be added at the beginning.
Thicken as Needed: If you prefer a thicker stew, use a cornstarch slurry in the last 20 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can use a roux made from butter and flour.

6. Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about beef stew is its versatility. Here are some variations and add-ins to customize your stew:

Wine: Add a cup of red wine to the stew for a richer flavor profile. A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well.
Mushrooms: Include sliced mushrooms for an earthy taste. Cremini or button mushrooms are great options.
Turnips or Parsnips: These root vegetables add a unique sweetness to the stew. They also provide additional nutrients.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like parsley, oregano, or bay leaves for varied flavor. Fresh herbs can be added at the end for a brighter flavor. If you are in the mood for another comfort food, check out our Amish snow day soup recipe.
Spices: A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a smoky or spicy kick. Be careful not to add too much cayenne pepper, as it can easily overpower the other flavors.

7. Serving Suggestions

Serve your slow cooker beef stew with these delightful additions:

Crusty bread for dipping
Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
A side salad for a balanced meal. If you like, you can also check salads category.
Cornbread for a hearty accompaniment

8. Storage Instructions

Proper storage will ensure your leftover stew remains delicious. Allow the slow cooker beef stew recipe to cool completely before storing. Transfer the stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

9. Conclusion

This slow cooker beef stew recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also delivers a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. If you are interested I other recipes, check our soups category. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this crockpot beef stew is sure to become a family favorite. It is even easier than something like Mediterranean ground beef stir fry which requires constant management.

Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this classic dish, and savor every delicious bite. With its ease and flavor, this easy beef stew is a must-try for any home cook. The slow cooking process transforms simple ingredients into a complex and delicious meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Additionally, if you love cooking and baking, check out our baking and breakfast/brunch categories.