Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe

There’s nothing like coming home to a bubbling pot of slow cooker beef stew—tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and a rich, savory broth. This classic comfort dish is the ultimate one-pot meal, and your crockpot does all the work!

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or cozying up on a chilly day. Bonus? The leftovers are even better the next day. This stew is kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and makes your kitchen smell like pure comfort.

🛒 What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs stew beef, cut into 1 ½ inch chunks
• 4 carrots, peeled & sliced into thick rounds
• 4 Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 bay leaf

To Thicken (Optional):

• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for Amazing Slow Cooker Stew

1. Brown your beef first! It adds deep, rich flavor to the stew. (Optional but worth it!)
2. Use Yukon gold or red potatoes—they hold their shape better than russets.
3. Add green peas in the last 30 minutes for extra color and sweetness.
4. If you like a thicker stew, stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
5. Let the stew rest 10–15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• No beef broth? Use chicken or veggie broth with a splash of soy sauce.
• No tomato paste? Add ½ cup canned diced tomatoes instead.
• Add-ins: Mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, or butternut squash.
• Low-carb? Swap potatoes for cauliflower or rutabaga.

🔪 Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (6–7 qt)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: skillet for browning beef
• Wooden spoon

🕒 Make Ahead Tips

• Chop veggies the night before and store in the fridge.
• Brown beef and store in a sealed container overnight.
• You can even assemble everything in the insert the night before and start it in the morning!

🔥 How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1️⃣ (Optional) Brown the Beef

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil.
2. Brown the beef in batches, just until golden on all sides.
3. Transfer to the slow cooker.

2️⃣ Add Veggies & Seasonings

1. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings.

3️⃣ Add Broth and Cook

1. Pour in beef broth. Add the bay leaf.
2. Cover and cook on:
   • LOW for 8–10 hours
   • or HIGH for 4–5 hours
3. Stir occasionally if you’re home, but it’s totally hands-off!

4️⃣ Thicken the Stew (Optional)

1. 30 minutes before serving, stir together 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water.
2. Stir into the stew and cook uncovered until thickened.

5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy

1. Discard bay leaf.
2. Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes!

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• The flavor gets even better the next day!

🥣 Let Your Slow Cooker Do the Work

This slow cooker beef stew is a cozy, comforting classic that fills your home with incredible aroma and your belly with hearty goodness. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a warm and satisfying meal waiting when you walk in the door.

Tried it? Leave a comment and let me know what veggies or variations you added! 🍷🥕