Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h 10 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, sliced in half; 5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces; 2 medium celery ribs, cut into thirds; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas (optional); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix; 3 cups beef broth

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty stew bubbling away all day, filling your home with rich, inviting aromas. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix Recipe is a wonderfully easy dish that turns simple ingredients into a cozy, flavorful meal perfect for any day you crave warmth and satisfaction. The tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and that unmistakable savory touch from the onion soup mix come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and special. If you’re looking to create an effortless dinner that pleases a crowd while giving you that home-cooked glow, this is the recipe to keep close.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden surface holding various cooking ingredients arranged neatly. In the center, there is a white tray filled with raw, red beef chunks. Above it, there are three whole orange carrots and one celery stalk placed together horizontally. To the left of the meat, a clear measuring cup filled with brown liquid sits, partially visible. Below the cup, a tall dark green bottle of olive oil stands upright. To the right of the meat, small white bowls hold coarse salt mixed with ground spices, a whole white garlic bulb, and white flour. Further right, a crumpled bottle of brown Worcestershire sauce and a small yellow tube of mustard are nearby. At the bottom, a mesh bag filled with small yellow potatoes rests, and next to it, a blue packet of Lipton onion soup mix is positioned. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to creating a stew that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role in balancing the rich meatiness and delightful freshness, making the stew deeply satisfying.

2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender bites after slow cooking.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the stew.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming spice suited perfectly for the beef.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps develop a lovely gravy consistency by coating the meat.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Ideal for searing the meat to lock in juices and flavor.
1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (sliced in half): Gives a creamy texture and absorbs the stew’s savory sauce beautifully.
5 medium carrots (peeled and cut into large pieces): Bring sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
2 medium celery ribs (cut into thirds): Add a subtle aromatic crunch that complements the softer veggies.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers depth and a punch of aromatic warmth.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Offers a rich umami base that brightens the broth.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory complexity that enhances the beef’s flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky goodness without overpowering.
1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix: The secret star ingredient that infuses the stew with a perfect onion-herb blend.
3 cups beef broth: The hearty liquid foundation that keeps everything moist and delicious.
1 cup frozen peas (optional): A splash of green sweetness to finish off the stew with a pop of color.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef

First off, pat the beef stew meat dry with a paper towel. This simple step helps the meat brown beautifully when seared. Then, season it evenly with sea salt and ground black pepper. Toss the meat with the all-purpose flour to lightly coat every piece; this will help create a luscious gravy later.

Step 2: Sear the Beef to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown the meat in batches so it doesn’t crowd the pan. That lovely browning adds depth and rich flavor to your stew. Once seared, transfer the beef to a clean plate to rest.

Step 3: Deglaze the Skillet

Pour a bit of beef broth into the skillet to deglaze it, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. Pour this liquid along with the bits into your slow cooker—this is where the magic really starts!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Add the baby potatoes, carrots, celery, minced garlic, garlic powder, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, the envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix, and the remaining beef broth to the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients, making sure they’re nestled around the seared beef pieces.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tenderness

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to either high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours—choose based on your schedule. The end goal is fork-tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables that soak up those savory juices. If you’re adding peas, stir them in about 30 minutes before serving to keep them bright and tender.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix Recipe

The image shows a cooking pot filled with a stew featuring several layers. The base layer is a rich brown broth with a slightly oily surface. Floating in the broth are slices of round yellow potatoes, small bright orange carrot pieces cut into short sticks, and light green celery sticks. Scattered throughout the stew are small green peas adding pops of color. There are also chunks of brown cooked meat evenly spread across the surface. The pot is black and oval-shaped, placed on a white marbled table. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the stew to add a fresh, herbal note and a splash of color. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of crème fraîche can also bring a lovely creaminess that balances the stew’s richness.

Side Dishes

This beef stew shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of savory broth. A simple green salad or roasted green beans make easy and fresh accompaniments that don’t compete with the stew’s hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stew in rustic soup bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a cozy, inviting touch. For a fun presentation, ladle it over buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes to turn it into a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more, making leftovers a welcomed meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the stew for longer storage—portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It will maintain its best quality for about 2 to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the broth has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I use fresh onions instead of the onion soup mix?

Fresh onions add great flavor, but the Lipton Onion Soup Mix is unique because it combines dehydrated onions with herbs and seasoning that really elevate the stew. If you prefer fresh onions, consider adding herbs and a bit of bouillon for depth.

Is it necessary to sear the beef?

Searing the beef builds a rich, caramelized flavor that makes a huge difference in the stew’s taste. While you can skip it for speed, taking the extra time to brown the meat is well worth it.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips depending on your taste or what you have on hand. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything finishes tender together.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

Beef broth provides a savory base essential to this recipe’s flavor. If unavailable, you can use vegetable broth with a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enrich it, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How can I make this stew thicker?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can stir in a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water about 15-20 minutes before the stew is done cooking, then continue cooking to thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix Recipe a chance to win a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s a beautiful balance of ease and rich, comforting flavors that make any meal feel like a special occasion. Slow cooking transforms humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying, and that cozy, warm feeling is just a pot away.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need