Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Oh, do I have a treat for you today! Imagine coming home after a long day, the house smelling like the most comforting, hearty meal you’ve ever experienced. That’s what this Slow Cooker Beef Stew will do for you. Tender chunks of beef, loaded with vegetables, all simmered in a savory broth that has just the right depth of flavor—this dish is pure comfort in a bowl. And the best part? You can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do all the work for you. Trust me, this beef stew will quickly become your go-to when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere around the table. Whether you’re serving up a family dinner, prepping for a cozy night in, or impressing friends at a gathering, this beef stew fits the bill. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:

• Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you need something easy that still tastes incredible. You can even make it ahead for a quick meal the next day!
• Budget-Friendly: This stew uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a great option for sticking to a budget while still enjoying a filling, flavorful meal.
• Set It and Forget It: The beauty of a slow cooker is in its simplicity. Toss everything in, set the timer, and let it cook. When you’re ready, it’s a delicious, no-fuss meal waiting for you.
• Customizable: Feel free to play around with the ingredients! Add extra veggies or swap the potatoes for parsnips. You can even throw in some fresh herbs to amp up the flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good stew, and this one’s no exception. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for making leftovers that you’ll be excited to eat the next day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this flavorful stew:

• Beef Chuck: This is the star of the show. Beef chuck is perfect for slow cooking—it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing all those delicious flavors.
• Carrots: Sweet, earthy carrots bring a little sweetness to the dish and add a pop of color.
• Potatoes: Hearty, comforting potatoes soak up the savory broth, making every bite a little piece of heaven.
• Onions: Sweet onions add depth to the flavor, becoming soft and tender as they cook down in the stew.
• Garlic: You can never go wrong with garlic—it’s the magic that pulls everything together and gives the stew a rich, savory base.
• Beef Broth: A rich, flavorful beef broth is the foundation of your stew. It adds a delicious savory base that gets infused with all the other ingredients as it cooks.
• Tomato Paste: For that extra depth of flavor and a subtle tang, tomato paste is a must. It rounds out the savory goodness of the broth.
• Bay Leaves: Bay leaves add a layer of aromatic flavor that infuses into the stew as it cooks slowly.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme brings a herby, earthy note that complements the beef perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, a little salt and pepper go a long way in bringing all the flavors together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this cozy, comforting beef stew:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the beef chuck into chunks. You want pieces that are big enough to stay juicy during cooking but small enough to easily eat. Chop up the carrots, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces.

Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Toss the beef, vegetables, garlic, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme into your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Set and Forget: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. No need to stir or check on it—just let the magic happen. The slow cooking process will make the beef incredibly tender and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Finish and Serve: Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and give the stew a taste. If you need more salt or pepper, adjust to your liking. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:

• Crusty Bread: You can never go wrong with some warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the rich, savory broth.
• Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Mashed Potatoes: If you’re really in the mood for indulgence, serve the stew over mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes make the stew even more comforting.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans make a lovely veggie side, adding color and flavor to the meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make this recipe even better:

• Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and meat the night before and store them in the fridge. This will save you time on the day you make the stew.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves really elevate the flavor of the stew. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works just fine, too.
• Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving.
• Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix.
• Double the Batch: This stew freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later on. Just be sure to let it cool before storing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Absolutely! If you don’t have beef chuck, you can use round roast or brisket. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Q2: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This stew actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this stew?
A4: Yes! This stew freezes really well. Just let it cool completely and then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and heat it on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, peas, or even mushrooms. Just be mindful of the cooking time so everything stays tender.

Q6: Can I make this in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
A6: Yes! You can make this stew in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Set it to cook for about 35-40 minutes on high pressure, and then let the pressure release naturally.

Q7: How can I make this stew spicier?
A7: Add a bit of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a chopped jalapeño for some heat.

Q8: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A8: Sure! You can substitute chicken thighs for beef. Just note that the cooking time may be shorter since chicken cooks faster than beef.

Q9: How do I know when the stew is done?
A9: The stew is ready when the beef is tender and easily falls apart with a fork. The vegetables should be soft but still hold their shape.

Q10: Can I use store-bought broth?
A10: Yes! Store-bought broth works perfectly fine, but if you have homemade broth, use that for an even richer flavor.

Conclusion

There you have it—Slow Cooker Beef Stew, the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy as it is delicious. With tender beef, savory broth, and vegetables, this stew is sure to warm you up on the chilliest days. It’s a cozy, hearty meal that you can count on for family dinners, weeknight meals, or just whenever you’re craving something that feels like a hug in a bowl. Grab your slow cooker, toss in the ingredients, and let the magic happen—you’re going to love it!

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