Here’s a hearty, classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew that comes out rich, tender, and full of flavor. Just set it and forget it!
🥘 Slow Cooker Beef Stew
⭐ Ingredients (6 servings)
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1–1.5 inch cubes
- 3–4 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional for browning)
🔥 Instructions
Option 1: Easiest (No browning)
- Add beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pour over ingredients and stir.
- Add bay leaf.
- Cook on LOW 8–10 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- If you want the stew thicker, mix 2 tbsp flour with 3 tbsp cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Option 2: Extra Flavor (Brown the beef first)
- Season beef with salt and pepper; toss with flour.
- Heat oil in a skillet and brown the beef on all sides.
- Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker and continue as above.
🍽️ Tips & Variations
- Thicker gravy: Add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water at the end instead of flour.
- Red wine boost: Replace 1 cup of broth with red wine.
- More veggies: Add peas or green beans during the last 20 minutes.
- Low-carb: Swap potatoes for turnips or cauliflower.
If you’d like, I can also create a shopping list, a printable recipe card, or a budget-friendly version.
