This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect cozy meal! With tender beef, hearty veggies, and rich broth, it warms you up from the inside out. Just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the magic!
I love coming home to this delicious smell! It’s like a hug in a bowl. Plus, you can sneak in extra carrots without anyone noticing—bonus points for sneaky cooking! 🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is ideal for stews due to its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use sirloin, but it may not provide the same depth of flavor.
Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness and color! If you’re in a pinch, frozen carrots work too. Just remember to adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture, but Russets or red potatoes are also great choices. If you want to keep it low-carb, consider adding cauliflower instead.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are perfect for that hearty stew flavor. If you don’t have dried herbs, fresh ones are great; just use three times the amount since they’re less concentrated.
Olive Oil: For browning the beef, you can use vegetable oil or even butter if you prefer a richer taste. If you’re skipping the browning process, you can leave the oil out completely.
How Important is Browning the Beef?
Browning beef adds a wonderful layer of flavor to your stew, but it’s not a must! Here’s how to do it right if you choose to:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat; it should be hot enough to sear the beef right away.
- Add oil to the pan, then carefully add your beef cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding!
- Let them cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re brown on all sides.
- Don’t worry if you skip this step; your stew will still taste good, just a bit different in flavor depth.
Enjoy making this stew – it warms your heart and home with its delightful aroma!
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy beef stew takes about 15 minutes for prep and 8 hours to cook on low (or 4 hours on high). So you can set it in the morning and come back to a warm, hearty meal later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef (Optional):
If you have a bit more time, start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning them until they are browned on all sides. This step gives your stew a rich flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this part and add the raw beef directly to the slow cooker.
2. Load Up the Slow Cooker:
Whether you’ve browned the beef or not, now it’s time to put everything in the slow cooker! Start with the beef cubes, and then add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Give it a little stir to mix everything together.
3. Mix the Broth Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make sure everything is mixed in properly. This will be the delicious base for your stew!
4. Combine and Cook:
Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover the lid, and set your slow cooker to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The beef should be tender and the veggies beautifully cooked when it’s done!
5. Finishing Touches:
Once your stew is done cooking, carefully remove the bay leaf. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe add a dash more salt or pepper. Then, serve hot in bowls and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch.
Enjoy your comforting slow cooker beef stew with crusty bread or by itself—it’s perfect for any meal!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is perfect for stews due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round roasts. Just ensure that whatever cut you choose has some fat for flavor and tenderness!
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work as substitutes, though they will slightly change the flavor of your stew. You can also make your own broth with water and bouillon cubes—just follow the package instructions for dilution!
How Can I Thicken My Stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, remove some of the vegetables, mash them, and stir them back in to naturally thicken your stew.
Can I Freeze This Beef Stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave for best results.
