This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a cozy dish with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and rich broth. It cooks slowly, making the meat soft and the flavors meld together nicely.
I like turning on my slow cooker early in the day. It makes dinner so easy—no last-minute rush!
If I want a thicker stew, I just stir in a bit of flour or cornstarch before serving. Perfect for a quick meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is full of connective tissue that breaks down slowly, making your stew tender. I suggest browning it first for flavor. If unavailable, try stew meat or sirloin chunks, but reduce cooking time to keep it tender.
Carrots: They add a gentle sweetness and texture. I peel and chop them into uniform pieces for even cooking. Frozen carrots are a quick substitute. Fresh is best, but canned carrots work in a pinch—just drain well.
Onions: Onions build depth of flavor. I chop them small so they soften nicely. If you’re in a rush, onion powder still adds flavor, but fresh onions give the stew a richer taste.
Potatoes: They thicken the stew and add heartiness. I use peeled, chopped potatoes. Sweet potatoes can be a sweet alternative, or use frozen hash browns for convenience.
Beef Broth: This forms the stew’s base flavor. I prefer low-sodium so I can control salt. Chicken broth or even water with added bouillon is fine if you want a lighter or different flavor.
How do I sear beef without it drying out?
Pat the beef dry with paper towels to get a good sear. Heat a little oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Sear each side until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side, to lock in juices.
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding beef to get a good sear quickly.
- Avoid moving the beef around; let it develop a crust before turning.
- If sticking occurs, let the meat cook a bit longer before flipping.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 2 cups chopped potatoes
- 1 onion, sliced
Meat & Broth
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
Spices & Others
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 8 hours. Total time: about 8 hours and 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients
Chop the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic. Cube the beef into bite-sized pieces.
2. Brown the Beef (Optional)
If you have time, brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. This adds flavor but is not necessary.
3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the beef, vegetables, garlic, salt, pepper, and tomato paste into the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth.
4. Cook the Stew
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The meat should be tender and vegetables cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Stir the stew gently. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve hot with bread if desired.
