Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 to 2.5 lbs. Chuck Roast, cut into bite-size pieces (trim excess fat); Salt and Pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 lb. dutch baby gold potatoes, cubed; ½ lb. baby carrots, cut in half; 5 large stalks celery, cut into slices; 4 cups low sodium beef broth; 3 tsp garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 large bay leaf; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 3 tbsp water; 1 ½ cups frozen peas; 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Slow Cooker Beef Stew gently simmering away in your kitchen, filling the air with hearty promise! This dish is a beloved classic for a reason: tender beef, velvety potatoes, sweet carrots, and a savory gravy that’s so good you’ll want to dunk your bread in it. The beauty of making Slow Cooker Beef Stew is that all the magic happens while you get on with your day. By the end, you’ll have a satisfying, soul-warming meal that tastes like it took all day — because, well, it did (just not all your effort).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how simple these ingredients are, but each one brings something vital to the party — from the deep, meaty flavor of the chuck roast to the bright pop of peas at the finish. Choose fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Chuck Roast: The marbled fat in chuck melts down perfectly, giving your stew incredible flavor and meltingly tender beef bites.
Salt and Pepper: Season liberally to bring out all the flavors, both before and during cooking.
Olive Oil: Searing the beef in olive oil locks in juices and adds a lovely golden crust.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the base of the stew.
Dutch Baby Gold Potatoes: These potatoes hold their shape beautifully and soak up that rich stew broth.
Baby Carrots: Carrots lend a touch of sweetness and color — plus, no peeling needed!
Celery: Brings subtle aromatic flavor and a touch of crunch, even after hours of cooking.
Low Sodium Beef Broth: The foundation for a flavorful and controlled-salt gravy.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the stew essential savory notes.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the broth’s richness and adds a tiny tang.
Worcestershire Sauce: An umami powerhouse that deepens the stew’s complexity.
Dried Thyme: This earthy herb ties all the traditional stew flavors together.
Bay Leaf: A subtle background flavor that makes stews taste, well, like stew!
Cornstarch & Water: A quick slurry thickens the gravy so every bite is luscious.
Frozen Peas: Add these at the end for a burst of color, sweetness, and texture.
Fresh Parsley: A finishing sprinkle of parsley makes every bowl look (and taste) vibrant.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

Start with a good chuck roast and trim off any excess fat for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Cut it into bite-sized chunks, then season generously with salt and pepper. This is your moment to layer in flavor right from the start — don’t be shy!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. You’re looking for a deep, golden crust on each side, which adds buckets of flavor that will infuse the stew later. Take your time — this is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Once your beef is all browned, transfer it to the slow cooker along with the chopped onion, potatoes, carrots, and celery. These vegetables form the sturdy (and tasty) backbone of your Slow Cooker Beef Stew, softening into perfection as they cook.

Step 4: Build and Pour the Broth

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme until well blended. Pour this savory mixture over the beef and veggies, then nestle in the bay leaf. It may not look like much yet, but after hours of slow cooking, these ingredients meld into a gravy worth writing home about.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Set your slow cooker and let it do what it does best! Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is meltingly tender and the vegetables are just right. No peeking (well, maybe just a little… it smells too good)!

Step 6: Thicken and Finish the Stew

About 20 minutes before serving, fish out the bay leaf and whisk together the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew, along with the frozen peas. Cover again and let everything simmer until the peas are warm and the gravy thickens to silky perfection. Finish by stirring in fresh parsley and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Garnishes

Fresh parsley, a crack of black pepper, or even a drizzle of good olive oil can take your bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Stew to the next level. Don’t underestimate the power of a final flourish — it’s not just for looks; it brightens up the whole experience!

Side Dishes

A warm, crusty loaf of bread is a must for sopping up every last drop of that luscious gravy. A simple green salad or steamed green beans pair wonderfully as well, adding freshness to every bite of rich, comforting stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Slow Cooker Beef Stew in hollowed-out bread bowls or even ladle it over creamy mashed potatoes for extra indulgence. Individual oven-safe bowls with a pastry lid make an impressive pot pie presentation — guests will never see it coming!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stew cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and if anything, the flavors get even better as they mingle!

Freezing

This stew is perfect for freezing. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just avoid freezing with potatoes if you’re extra picky, as they can change texture slightly after thawing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Slow Cooker Beef Stew gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. A splash of beef broth will help revive the gravy if it’s thickened too much. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too — just cover your bowl with a microwave-safe lid to prevent splatters.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Chuck roast is ideal for Slow Cooker Beef Stew because it becomes incredibly tender as it cooks. However, you can use stewing beef cubes or brisket cuts as well, though you may need to adjust the cook time to achieve perfect tenderness.

Do I have to sear the beef before slow cooking?

While it’s not absolutely required, searing beef before slow cooking caramelizes the surface and deepens the flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, try not to skip this step — your tastebuds will thank you!

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even turnips all work well. Just make sure to cut veggies into even pieces so they cook uniformly in the stew.

How do I make the stew gluten-free?

You’re in luck — this Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe is already gluten-free, thanks to the use of cornstarch rather than flour as the thickener. Just double-check your broth and Worcestershire sauce for any hidden gluten ingredients to be sure.

What can I do if the stew gravy is too thin?

If your stew isn’t as thick as you’d like after cooking, simply whisk together a little more cornstarch and water and add it to the slow cooker. Let it simmer another 10-15 minutes while it thickens up to your liking.

Final Thoughts

There are few dishes more comforting than a bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Stew made from scratch. It’s a breeze to prepare, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to bring everyone running to the dinner table. Give it a try — you just might start a new family tradition!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need