Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

I love making this slow cooker beef stew because it’s comfort food redefined. Tender beef mingles with vibrant veggies and aromatic herbs to create a soulwarming broth that exceeds expectations. Every bite reveals the perfect mix of heartiness and flavor. I trust this recipe when I need a delicious, fuss-free meal.

I’ve been perfecting this Slow Cooker Beef Stew for a while now and it never fails to satisfy. I love how the rich broth comes together when you combine 2 lbs of beef stew meat, 4 cups of beef broth, and a mix of veggies like 3 chopped carrots, 3 medium peeled and cubed potatoes and 1 large chopped onion.

I dust the meat with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour along with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper which helps thicken the stew while cooking. I also throw in a bay leaf, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and a few cloves of minced garlic to really build the flavor.

I find this traditional beef stew is not only a comfort dish but also packs an array of nutrients such as protein and vitamins from the vegetables. Its easy preparation in my slow cooker makes this classic crockpot dish a winner every time.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super simple. I just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing all day, which means I don’t have to stress too much in the kitchen.

I also like how all the flavors blend together into a rich, savory broth that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. The beef comes out so tender and the veggies give a comforting crunch, even after so many hours of cooking.

Plus, it’s pretty convenient. I can set it up in the morning and come home to a delicious meal, so I don’t have to spend extra time watching the pot or cleaning up a ton afterward.

Ingredients

• Beef stew meat is high in protein and gives rich hearty flavor.
• Carrots add fiber and natural sweetness that balances the savory broth.
• Potatoes offer carbs for heartiness and a soft, filling texture.
• Beef broth delivers essential moisture and deep savory taste.
• Onion and garlic boost aroma and add a tangy flavor kick.
• Dried thyme and rosemary provide earthy, aromatic notes to the stew.
• Optional mushrooms introduce an extra earthy taste and vitamin boost.
• Flour, salt and pepper thicken and season the stew with a rustic touch.
• Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf adds tang and depth to the rich broth.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt, or more to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms

How to Make this

1. Toss the 2 lbs beef stew meat in 1/4 cup of flour, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper until the meat is evenly coated.

2. (Optional but adds more flavor) Brown the meat in a skillet over medium-high heat until just sealed, then transfer it into your slow cooker.

3. Pour 4 cups of beef broth into the slow cooker along with 1 bay leaf and 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce.

4. Add the 3 peeled and chopped carrots, 3 peeled and cubed potatoes, and the 1 large chopped onion.

5. Toss in the 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped celery stalks with the other veggies.

6. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp dried thyme and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary over everything.

7. If you like mushrooms, add the optional 1 cup of sliced mushrooms at this stage.

8. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the meat and vegetables are tender.

9. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and check the seasoning, adding extra salt if needed.

10. Give the stew a good stir and enjoy this rich and savory classic beef stew warm with family or friends.

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Skillet (if you decide to brown the meat)
3. Mixing bowl (for tossing the meat with the flour and seasonings)
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Vegetable peeler (for the carrots and potatoes)
7. Measuring cups and spoons (to measure out broth, flour, and spices)
8. Stirring spoon or spatula (to give the stew a good mix before serving)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
  A: Yeah, you can use other beef cuts like chuck roast, but make sure it’s well-trimmed and cut into proper chunks so it cooks evenly.
• Q: How long do I cook the stew in the slow cooker?
  A: Most folks cook it on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. If your slow cooker runs a bit hot, adjust time accordingly.
• Q: What if the stew seems too thin at the end?
  A: You can always mix a little extra flour with some cold water into a slurry and stir it in, then let it cook on high for another 15-20 minutes till it thickens up.
• Q: Can I substitute the beef broth?
  A: Sure, if you dont have beef broth you can use water, but you might wanna add extra seasoning to bump up the flavor.
• Q: Do I really need the mushrooms?
  A: Not at all, they are optional. They add a little extra flavor and texture, but you can leave them out if you aren’t into them.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Beef Stew Meat: You can use chuck roast instead then cutting it into cubes. It also works great in a slow cooker.
• All-purpose Flour: Try using cornstarch as an alternative to thicken the stew; just use a little less since its more potent.
• Beef Broth: If you dont have beef broth on hand, low sodium chicken broth can step in to give a similar rich flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of soy sauce mixed with a bit of lemon juice can mimic that tangy taste in the stew.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to brown the beef in a hot skillet before putting it in the slow cooker. It really helps lock in the flavor and gives the beef a nice crust that makes the whole stew taste better.
2. Try to cut your veggies into even pieces so they cook at the same rate. It can be annoying when some pieces are mushy and others are still firm.
3. Be careful with the salt. Since the slow cooker intensifies flavors over hours, you might wanna add a little less at first then taste it in the end before serving.
4. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf when its done, or you might end up biting into a hard, bitter piece you didnt expect.