Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Tender Meat in Savory Broth with Carrots & Potatoes
Make the best Slow Cooker Beef Stew with tender beef chunks, carrots, and potatoes in a rich broth. Easy comfort food perfect for chilly days. Get the recipe!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Tender Meat in Savory Broth with Carrots & Potatoes: Food articles
This classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew delivers fork-tender beef chunks, golden potatoes, and sweet carrots in a rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings, this hearty comfort food practically cooks itself while filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll create a protein-packed, soul-satisfying meal that’s even better the next day!
This old-fashioned beef stew recipe has been perfected over the years of slow cooking. The secret lies in browning the meat first and using a combination of herbs and Worcestershire sauce for that deep, rich flavor that makes this stew irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Minimal hands-on time with maximum flavor payoff
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef without any fuss
- Perfect make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Complete one-pot meal that’s protein-rich and satisfying
Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This hearty beef stew combines simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something magical after a few hours in the slow cooker. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Beef
- 2½ pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil for browning
For the Stew
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (optional, for finishing)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Best Cuts of Beef for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
The secret to tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef stew starts with choosing the right cut of meat. Here are the best options:
Chuck Roast
The absolute best choice for slow cooker beef stew. It has excellent marbling and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
Bottom Round
A leaner option that still works well in slow cooking. It’s less expensive than chuck but still becomes tender with enough cooking time.
Beef Stew Meat
Pre-cut stew meat is convenient but can be inconsistent. If using this, check that it’s from chuck or round cuts for the best results.
Pro Tip: Trim excess fat from the meat before cooking, but leave some marbling for flavor. Handle the beef as little as possible when preparing to keep it juicy and tender.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Follow these simple steps for the most flavorful beef stew that practically cooks itself:
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Prepare the beef
In a large zip-top bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add beef chunks and shake until well-coated.
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Brown the meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches (don’t overcrowd) for about 45 seconds per side. Transfer browned meat to your slow cooker.
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Sauté aromatics
In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful brown bits. Transfer to the slow cooker.
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Add remaining ingredients
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
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Slow cook to perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
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Finish the stew
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew. For extra richness, swirl in 2 tablespoons of cold butter just before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Stew
The key to amazing beef stew is patience. Low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender. Don’t rush the process!
For the Best Flavor
- Brown the meat: Don’t skip this step! Browning creates a caramelized exterior that adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Deglaze the pan: After browning, use a splash of broth or wine to scrape up those flavorful brown bits from the skillet.
- Add balsamic vinegar: The acidity helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Finish with butter: Swirling in cold butter at the end creates a velvety, rich texture.
For Perfect Texture
- Use the right potatoes: Yukon golds or red potatoes hold their shape better than russets.
- Add peas at the end: This keeps them bright green and prevents overcooking.
- For a thicker stew, make a cornstarch slurry with cold water, never hot.
- Let it rest: If possible, let the stew sit for 15-20 minutes after cooking for flavors to settle.
Delicious Variations for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
While this classic beef stew recipe is perfect as is, here are some tasty variations to try:
Red Wine Beef Stew
Replace 1 cup of beef broth with dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works beautifully) for a more complex flavor profile.
Irish-Style Stew
Substitute 1 cup of beef broth with Guinness stout beer and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for a rich, hearty Irish-inspired stew.
Root Vegetable Medley
Add parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes along with the regular potatoes for a colorful, nutrient-rich variation.
Dietary Modifications for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This versatile beef stew recipe can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs:
Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free flour for coating the beef
- Ensure your beef broth is gluten-free
- Check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (many brands contain wheat)
- Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening
Low-Carb/Keto
- Replace potatoes with turnips, radishes, or cauliflower
- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour
- Reduce or omit carrots and peas
- Add extra celery and mushrooms for bulk
Paleo/Whole30
- Use arrowroot powder instead of flour
- Ensure broth has no added sugars or preservatives
- Use compliant Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
- Skip the butter finish or use ghee instead
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This hearty beef stew is a complete meal on its own, but these accompaniments make it even more special:
Perfect Pairings
- Crusty bread or a baguette for sopping up the delicious broth
- Buttery cornbread for a sweet contrast to the savory stew
- Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Mashed potatoes as a base for serving the stew on top
Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley adds color and freshness
- Grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish
- Cracked black pepper for an extra kick
- A dollop of sour cream for richness and tang
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Beef Stew is that it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Refrigerating
Allow stew to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
Freezing
For best results, freeze without potatoes as they can become grainy. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave 1/2 inch of space for expansion.
Make-Ahead
Prep all ingredients the day before: chop vegetables, cut and season meat, and store separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, brown the beef and add everything to the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories |
| 20 minutes | 7-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) | 7-8 hours 20 minutes | 6 servings | 410 calories per serving |
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Nutritional Information
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving provides a good balance of protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 410 | – |
| Total Fat | 14.5g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8g | 24% |
| Protein | 39.6g | 79% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Fiber | 3.8g | 15% |
| Sodium | 1035mg | 45% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Nutritional Benefits: This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins from the beef. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw beef directly in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add raw beef directly to the slow cooker, but browning it first adds significant flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip the browning step, but the stew won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Why is my beef stew meat tough in the slow cooker?
Tough meat usually means it hasn’t cooked long enough. Beef stew meat needs low, slow cooking to break down the connective tissues. Make sure you’re cooking on LOW for at least 7-8 hours. Also, using the right cut of meat (chuck roast) makes a big difference.
How do I thicken beef stew in a slow cooker?
The best way to thicken stew is to make a slurry with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons cold water. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking with the slow cooker on HIGH. Alternatively, you can remove some of the cooking liquid, thicken it on the stovetop, and return it to the slow cooker.
Can I add frozen vegetables to my beef stew?
Yes, frozen vegetables like peas, green beans, or mixed vegetables work well in beef stew. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t become mushy.
Ready to Make the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
This classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s the perfect meal for chilly days. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a stew that’s even better the next day.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this beef stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to pair it with some crusty bread for sopping up all that delicious broth!
Share Your Beef Stew Creation!
Did you try this recipe? We’d love to see your results! Tag us on social media with #SlowCookerBeefStew or leave a comment below.
