🥣🔥 Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe – Hearty, Tender & Full of Flavor
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 6–8 hrs (slow cooker)
Total Time: ~8 hrs | Servings: 6
Course: Main | Cuisine: American | Difficulty: Easy
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew
There’s nothing like coming home to the cozy aroma of a hearty slow cooker beef stew simmering away. This one-pot comfort food is loaded with tender beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and a rich, savory broth — perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or meal prep. Just set it and forget it!
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
🔥 Instructions
1. Sear the Beef (Optional, but recommended)
Toss beef with flour, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high and brown the beef on all sides (in batches). This step builds flavor.
2. Layer the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, add:
- Sautéed beef
- Chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes
- Tomato paste, Worcestershire, broth, and herbs
- Give everything a gentle stir
3. Cook Low and Slow
- LOW: 8 hours (ideal for the most tender results)
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
4. Final Touches
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves before serving.
🧡 Serving Suggestions
- Crusty sourdough bread or garlic toast
- A simple green salad
- Over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for extra comfort
📝 Tips & Variations
Customization | How to Adjust |
---|---|
Thicker Stew | Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir in during the last 30 mins |
More Veggies | Add mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans |
Spicy Twist | Add a pinch of red pepper flakes |
Gluten-Free | Skip flour or use GF all-purpose flour |
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Chop everything and store in the fridge overnight. You can even brown the beef and refrigerate it.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. This stew freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Q: Can I skip searing the beef?
Yes, but searing adds depth. If in a hurry, you can skip it and still have a tasty stew.
🧾 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~375 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbs: ~24g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: Moderate (can adjust with low-sodium broth)
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