Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth come together in this rich and flavorful stew, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the perfect meal for busy days when you want a cozy, satisfying dinner with minimal effort. Just throw everything in the pot, let it cook, and you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready to enjoy by the end of the day.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work!
• Tender & Flavorful: The beef becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew makes great leftovers and can easily be reheated for another meal.
• Comfort in a Bowl: It’s hearty, warm, and filling—everything you want in a cozy dinner.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

To make this beef stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round roast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the beef)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Skillet (for searing the beef)
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and sear until browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor to the stew. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Give everything a quick stir.

Step 3: Make the Stew Base
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Let it Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the flour with a little bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew to help thicken the broth. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add more flour.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Once the stew is done cooking, discard the bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• This beef stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping or a side salad for a lighter touch.
• For a heartier meal, serve with a scoop of mashed potatoes or over rice.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Sear the Beef: Don’t skip the searing step! It creates a deep, rich flavor that really enhances the stew.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, parsnips, or turnips for a different twist.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes the broth can be a bit salty, so add seasonings sparingly.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make the stew gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the broth.

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This stew also freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop over low heat until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like round roast or brisket. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.

Q2: Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can use the sauté function to brown the beef and then pressure cook for about 35 minutes on high. Let the pressure release naturally for best results.

Q3: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Simply refrigerate and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Classic

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a family dinner. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and results in a flavorful, comforting meal. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your culinary creations.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 380
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g

Enjoy every comforting spoonful of this Slow Cooker Beef Stew, and share the warmth with your loved ones!

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