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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew combining tender beef chuck roast with a rich, savory broth and hearty vegetables. Slow simmered to create deep flavors and perfectly tender meat, this comforting stew is versatile and easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezing for busy nights.

  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, cut into evenly sized cubes

Vegetables

  • 3 large Carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 medium Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks Celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 4 cups Beef Broth
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Fresh or dried Thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste

Thickening Agents (optional)

  • 2 tbsp Flour or Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Cold Water (for slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut the beef into evenly sized cubes, trim any excess fat. Chop carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a hot skillet, sear the beef cubes quickly until a caramelized crust forms. This locks in juices and significantly enhances flavor.
  3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables and garlic on top, spreading them evenly to distribute flavors.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth over the meat and vegetables. Stir in the tomato paste. Sprinkle thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. This allows the beef to become tender and ingredients to meld together beautifully.
  6. Thicken the Stew (optional): If a thicker stew is desired, mix flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew about 30 minutes before the end of cooking to achieve a comforting consistency.

Notes

  • Use well-marbled chuck roast or stew beef with some fat for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t skip browning the beef; it adds a deep, rich flavor.
  • Layer meat at the bottom and vegetables on top for even cooking.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning about an hour before finishing for balanced flavors.
  • Fresh herbs at the end brighten the stew.
  • For firmer vegetables, add potatoes and carrots halfway through cooking.
  • Variations: add mushrooms in the last hour, add smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for spice, swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips, use cornstarch for gluten-free thickening, and opt for low-sodium broth if desired.
  • Store leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat or microwave, stirring occasionally.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours (low) or 4 to 5 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if cornstarch used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: slow cooker beef stew, beef stew, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, hearty stew, gluten free stew