Description
Warm up with this hearty and comforting slow cooker beef stew recipe! Tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth come together in this easy-to-make family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. 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.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Place the seared beef on top of the vegetables.
- 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.
- 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.
- During the last hour of cooking, add the cubed potatoes and frozen peas.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, in a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. 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. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For richer flavor, use beef chuck roast cut into cubes.
- Don’t skip searing the beef – it adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine for extra richness.
- Adjust the amount of broth to your desired consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, beef stew recipe, easy beef stew, crockpot beef stew, winter stew, comfort food, family dinner