Slow Cooker Beef Stew

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

The Best Hearty Fall Comfort Food You Can Make Without Any Effort

When the weather cools down and the days become shorter, nothing feels more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade beef stew. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate fall and winter meal: rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set it in the morning and return home to an aromatic kitchen filled with the deep, savory scent of tender beef, sweet carrots, soft potatoes, and flavorful herbs.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a make-ahead meal prep option, or a cozy recipe to enjoy on a crisp autumn afternoon, this slow cooker stew delivers every time. It’s nutritious, family-friendly, and perfect for busy schedules.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Set it and forget it
All the ingredients cook low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully without any extra effort.

2. Perfectly tender beef
Slow cooking breaks down the meat fibers, giving you melt-in-your-mouth pieces every time.

3. A complete one-pot meal
Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and a rich broth, this stew is wholesome and filling.

4. Ideal for meal prep
It reheats wonderfully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a deeply flavorful stew.

  • 900 g beef stew meat, cut into cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, flavorful result every time.

1. Brown the Beef

Searing the beef in a little olive oil adds depth and caramelized flavor.
Cook until golden on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.

2. Add the Vegetables

Layer the carrots, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and garlic on top of the beef.

3. Mix the Broth

In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, flour, tomato paste, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture evenly over the ingredients.

4. Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on:

  • Low for 7–8 hours
  • High for 4–5 hours

The meat should be tender, and the vegetables soft and flavorful.

5. Add Peas

Stir in the peas during the last 20 minutes to keep them bright and fresh.

6. Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning, then ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

  • Cut vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for more aroma.
  • Don’t skip browning the meat unless you’re in a rush. It adds incredible flavor.
  • Thicken if needed: For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon flour with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
  • Use starchy potatoes (like Yukon Gold or similar) because they hold their shape well.

Variations

Make this recipe your own with easy substitutions:

  • Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes.
  • Add celery for more vegetable flavor.
  • Swap peas for green beans.
  • Add more mushrooms for a deeper umami taste.

What to Serve With Beef Stew

This stew is filling on its own, but it tastes even better with:

  • Freshly baked dinner rolls
  • Rice or buttery mashed potatoes
  • Crusty French bread
  • A simple green salad for balance

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

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