Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort dish—lovingly simmered chunks of beef, tender vegetables, and a savory, herb-infused broth for a meal that’s both hearty and hands-off. Boasting deep, developed flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is a staple for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal prep.

Whether you’re looking to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas or ensure dinner is ready without fuss, this classic stew is a time-tested crowd-pleaser.

Why This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Stands Out

The convenience of the slow cooker paired with the satisfying results makes this dish a weeknight hero. The beef becomes fork-tender, and the vegetables soak up all the delicious juices. Plus, the recipe is endlessly customizable—add more root veggies or swap in your favorites, and it’s nearly impossible to go wrong.

Thoughtful layering of ingredients and allowing ample time for flavors to meld, let this stew shine with comforting depth and homey complexity.

Prep Made Easy: Chopping for Stew Success

Chopping several vegetables for your stew can be a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. A Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can make quick work of carrots, potatoes, and onions, ensuring even cuts and consistent cooking. Uniform chunks guarantee every bite is as satisfying as the last.

Prepare your veggies the night before and store them in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh and ready for a quick morning start.

Building Layers of Flavor

To coax the richest flavor from your stew, sear the beef cubes in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelizes the surface and locks in juices. Use a trusty Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet for even browning.

Once your beef is beautifully seared, deglaze the pan with a bit of broth or red wine, scraping up those golden bits to add extra depth to your stew.

Slow Cooking: Effortless Perfection

With the prep done and flavors built, everything goes into the slow cooker. The magic of low-and-slow cooking ensures vegetables become tender without falling apart, and the beef becomes silky-soft. Stir everything together using a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to gently blend the ingredients without mashing the veggies.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Serve your beef stew in deep bowls, perhaps with a hunk of crusty bread for soaking up the savory gravy. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—the airtight seal keeps your stew fresh for grab-and-go lunches the next day.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each bowl is packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor, coming in at approximately 350–400 calories per serving, depending on added ingredients like potatoes and oil.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recap

Warm, filling, and delightfully hands-off, slow cooker beef stew is a classic meal that everyone loves. The combination of succulent beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory broth is simply unbeatable for family meals or gatherings.

Instructions

1. Heat the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk flour with 1/2 cup beef broth until smooth. Add this slurry, remaining broth, and tomato paste to the slow cooker.
3. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef is very tender and vegetables are soft.
5. If using, add frozen peas in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours (on low, or 4–5 hours on high)

Total Time: 8 hours, 25 minutes