There’s something absolutely magical about a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Stew simmered to perfection. This dish is an ultimate comfort food classic, brimming with fork-tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory, herb-infused broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning to savor a bowl solo, this recipe promises flavor, nostalgic charm, and minimal fuss — just toss everything together and let your slow cooker work its cozy wonders!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Slow Cooker Beef Stew truly special is its combination of everyday pantry staples and fresh produce, each bringing its own unique magic to the pot. Each ingredient plays a role, from the deep, meaty foundation to pops of natural sweetness and a hint of herbal aroma.

Beef chuck (2 pounds, cubed): The marbling in this cut guarantees rich, tender bites after hours of low-and-slow cooking.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): This helps create a gorgeous sear on the beef and thickens the stew naturally.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for bringing out all the deep flavors in your stew.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth to the finishing taste.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for browning the beef, adding a note of Mediterranean richness.
Beef broth (4 cups): Provides a savory, mouthwatering base for all the goodies to simmer together.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): A dollop of umami, this deepens the stew’s color and balances the richness.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Lends a tangy, complex depth that makes the beef sing.
Dried thyme (2 teaspoons): Pairs beautifully with red meat and vegetables, adding classic comfort aroma.
Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Brings earthy, piney notes that brighten the stew.
Bay leaves (2): Infuse subtle, savory layers into the broth as everything simmers.
Carrots (4 medium, sliced): Offer gentle sweetness and help create those signature pops of orange color.
Potatoes (3 medium, peeled and cubed): They soak up all the stew’s flavor and give the dish satisfying bulk.
Celery (3 stalks, sliced): Adds crunch and a fresh, herby backbone to the stew’s flavor profile.
Onion (1 large, chopped): Its sweetness mellows as it cooks and deepens the stew’s bouquet.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers that beloved savory aroma right as you tuck in for your first spoonful.
Frozen peas (1 cup): Stirred in at the end, they provide a burst of color and fresh, sweet flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Beef

Start by tossing the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This coating is the secret to both deeper flavor and a naturally thickened stew once it simmers all day. Each cube should look lightly dusted and ready for the hot pan.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the floured beef cubes on all sides just until they develop a golden crust. This caramelization adds a huge boost of flavor, so don’t skip it! Once browned, transfer them directly into your slow cooker.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

With the beef in the slow cooker, add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything gently so the tomato paste dissolves; this will ensure the whole stew benefits from its rich, savory character.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Next, toss in all your prepared veggies — carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic. These cook down beautifully, softening into the silky, flavorful base Slow Cooker Beef Stew is known for. Nestle everything in so that the broth just covers the vegetables and beef.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook your stew on low for 8 to 10 hours (or on high for 4 to 6 hours if you’re pressed for time). The aroma will fill your kitchen as the beef becomes meltingly tender and the vegetables soak in every bit of flavor.

Step 6: Add the Peas and Finish

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll add brightness and crunch without getting mushy. Before ladling into bowls, remember to fish out the bay leaves — their job is done!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Garnishes

Top your Slow Cooker Beef Stew with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a little freshly ground black pepper right before serving can also liven up the bowl. If you love a little zest, a hint of grated lemon peel is surprisingly delightful.

Side Dishes

This stew loves company! It’s unbeatable with warm, crusty bread for scooping and dipping, or fluffy mashed potatoes if you want double the comfort factor. For a lighter pairing, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual family dinners, ladle the stew straight into deep bowls. For a fancier touch, serve it in bread bowls or top each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a few snipped chives. For parties, mini stew servings in mugs or small ramekins make a fun and heartwarming appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Slow Cooker Beef Stew will taste even better the next day, as the flavors mingle and deepen overnight. Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure everything is cool before sealing it up to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

This stew freezes remarkably well! Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space at the top for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months. Label the date so you can enjoy a quick comfort meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the stew has thickened up too much while chilling, loosen it with a splash of beef broth or water as it heats.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is preferred for its marbling and tenderness, other cuts like brisket or round will also work. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?

Browning the beef is highly recommended for maximum flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and put the floured beef directly into the slow cooker. The stew will still be delicious, though a bit less rich.

How can I make this Slow Cooker Beef Stew gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to coat the beef, and you’ll have a hearty stew suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Slow Cooker Beef Stew is very forgiving. Parsnips, mushrooms, or turnips all make excellent additions. Just keep the veggie-to-liquid ratio in mind so it doesn’t overflow your cooker.

What’s the best way to thicken my stew if it’s too thin?

If your stew is a bit soupy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This trick will help give your stew that classic, cozy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving soul-soothing, homemade comfort, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew will never let you down. The effort is minimal, the flavors are big, and the rewards? Every steaming, savory spoonful. Give it a try the next time you need a little extra coziness at the table — your family and friends will swoon!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a cozy meal. Tender beef simmered with vegetables in a flavorful broth, this stew is easy to make and full of rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

Coating:

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Stew:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas

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Instructions

Coat Beef: Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper. Brown in batches.
Prepare Stew: Transfer beef to slow cooker. Add broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and vegetables. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Finish: Stir in peas 30 minutes before serving. Remove bay leaves.

Notes

For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Optional: Add parsnips, mushrooms, or turnips for added flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American