If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of beef melting in your mouth, paired with hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and rich tomato flavors—all slow-cooked to perfection over several hours. This dish offers a balanced medley of taste and texture, creating a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe is its simplicity paired with its depth of flavor, making it the perfect dish to come home to after a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a key role—from tender stew meat providing protein, to the vibrant vegetables adding texture and color, to the thoughtfully chosen herbs and spices bringing all the flavors together in harmony.
- 2 lb stew meat: The star of the dish, beef should be well-marbled for juicy, tender chunks after slow cooking.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used to coat the meat, helping create a rich, thickened stew base.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity from the tomatoes and enhances overall flavor depth.
- 2 Tbsp canola oil: Perfect for browning beef without overpowering its natural flavors.
- 1 (15-oz) can petite diced tomatoes (drained): Adds bright, tangy tomato notes and a fresh burst of color.
- 3 celery stalks: Brings subtle crunch and an herby freshness to the stew.
- 3 to 4 medium potatoes (peeled and chopped): These absorb the rich broth and provide a creamy, hearty bite.
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and chopped): Sweetness and vibrant orange hues brighten the dish visually and in taste.
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and adds body to the stew’s sauce.
- 5 tsp chili powder: Introduces warmth and subtle heat without overpowering the stew.
- ½ tsp thyme: A fragrant herb that enhances the earthiness of the beef and vegetables.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses savory undertones that build complexity in the stew.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and seasoning balance.
- 2 (1-oz) packages brown gravy mix: Conveniently thickens and enriches the stew with robust flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth: The hearty liquid base that ties all ingredients together, soaking into every bite.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Added late for a pop of sweetness and fresh color contrast.
- 1 Tbsp corn starch: Used to gently thicken the stew’s sauce for a luscious finish.
- 2 Tbsp water: Helps dissolve cornstarch smoothly before incorporating into the stew.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Brown the Beef
Start by combining the all-purpose flour and sugar in a ziplock bag. Add the stew meat and shake until each piece is nicely coated. This coating helps lock in moisture and later thickens the stew’s broth. Next, heat your canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the beef in batches. This step develops a beautiful, deep flavor through browning that forms the backbone of your stew. Once browned, transfer the beef into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer the Veggies and Seasonings
Into the slow cooker with the beef, add the drained diced tomatoes, chopped celery, peeled and chopped potatoes, and carrots. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, and the brown gravy mix. Each of these ingredients contributes a specific flavor note—chili powder brings gentle heat, tomato paste gives a rich umami kick, and brown gravy mix ensures a velvety sauce texture.
Step 3: Add Beef Broth and Slow Cook
Pour the beef broth over everything, making sure the ingredients are well combined. Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for 8 to 10 hours. This long cooking process gently breaks down the beef, making it tender and juicy, while allowing all flavors to meld beautifully. Patience here truly rewards you with stew perfection.
Step 4: Add Peas and Thicken the Stew
Once the slow cooking time is complete, stir in the frozen peas for a refreshing pop of green and natural sweetness. In a small bowl, whisk together the corn starch and water until smooth, then pour this slurry into the stew. Stir well and continue to cook on LOW for an additional 15 minutes. This final thickening step ensures your sauce turns luscious and coats every bite with richness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
To add visual appeal and a fresh flavor kick to your Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper just before serving. These simple garnishes elevate the dish, bringing brightness and aroma to each hearty spoonful.
Side Dishes
This stew is absolutely delicious on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is a game-changer. The bread is perfect for sopping up the savory gravy. You could also serve the stew alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to balance the meal with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style dinner, serve the stew in a rustic bowl with a sprig of thyme on top. If you want to impress guests, try hollowing out mini bread bowls and ladle the stew inside—perfect for a charming presentation that doubles as an edible vessel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop overnight, making the next day’s meal just as good, if not better.
Freezing
You can freeze the stew in portioned freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it down completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew has thickened too much. This careful reheating preserves that tender texture and rich taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the cut is suitable for slow cooking and becomes tender over low heat, like chuck roast or beef shoulder. Avoid lean cuts as they might become tough during the long cook.
Do I have to brown the beef beforehand?
Browning the beef is highly recommended as it develops deeper flavor and improves texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it. The stew will still be tasty, though slightly less rich.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips for additional variety. Just keep in mind the cooking times, as delicate veggies like peas are best added near the end.
Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried in this Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe?
Yes, fresh herbs like thyme work wonderfully. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried since they are less concentrated. Add fresh herbs during the last hour of cooking to maintain their vibrant flavor.
How thick should the stew be when done?
The stew should have a thick, stew-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, continue cooking uncovered on HIGH for a bit, or add a cornstarch slurry as described in the recipe to thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe is truly one of those magical dishes that brings people together around the table with warmth and comfort. From the simple yet flavourful ingredients to the long, slow cooking process, every step is designed to reward you with that perfect bowl of stew. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try on your next cozy night in—you’re going to love how effortless it is to make and how incredibly satisfying it tastes.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker beef stew made with tender stew meat, fresh vegetables, and a rich blend of seasonings, perfect for a comforting meal after a long day.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 2 lb stew meat
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
Cooking Fat
- 2 Tbsp canola oil
Vegetables
- 1 (15-oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 to 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
Seasonings and Thickener
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 5 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 (1-oz) packages brown gravy mix
- 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 2 Tbsp water
Liquid
- 4 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Coat the beef: Place all-purpose flour and sugar in a ziplock bag. Add the stew meat and toss well until the meat is evenly coated with the flour and sugar mixture.
- Brown the beef: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated stew meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces start to brown on all sides. This step helps to lock in flavor. Transfer the browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: To the slow cooker, add the drained diced tomatoes, chopped celery, peeled and chopped potatoes and carrots, tomato paste, chili powder, thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, brown gravy mix, and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
- Add peas: Around the end of the cooking time, add the frozen green peas to the stew and stir them in.
- Thicken the stew: In a small bowl, whisk together the corn starch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well. Continue cooking on LOW for an additional 15 minutes until the stew thickens to the desired consistency.
Notes
- Be sure to brown the beef well for the best flavor and texture.
- Using frozen peas toward the end of cooking keeps their color and texture fresh.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry as needed.
- This stew is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- You can add other herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for additional depth if desired.
