This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting dish made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Cooking slowly makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth and creates a nice, thick gravy.
I like leaving it to cook while I do other things. It makes me feel like a home chef without a lot of effort!
Just add some crusty bread on the side for a complete, easy meal. I find the longer it cooks, the better the flavors mesh together.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking; it becomes tender and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner cut, sirloin works but may be less tender. I recommend trimming excess fat for a healthier dish.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color. If you don’t have fresh, frozen carrots work well. I sometimes use parsnips for a slightly different flavor but keep in mind they cook faster.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great for thickening the stew naturally. Sweet potatoes also work if you want a sweeter touch. Keep chunks uniform for even cooking.
Onions: Yellow or white onions add depth. To mellow their flavor, I sometimes sauté them briefly beforehand. Shallots can be a nice substitute for a milder taste.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth for control over the salt. If you don’t have broth, water mixed with bouillon works. I like adding a splash of Worcestershire for richness.
Herbs & Seasoning: Bay leaves and thyme are classic. If missing, dried Italian seasoning or rosemary can add aroma. Fresh herbs can be added at the end for brightness.
How do I sear beef without it drying out?
Pat the beef dry with paper towels to help it brown evenly. Use a hot skillet with a little oil; don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if needed, and turn occasionally to get a nice, brown crust without overcooking the meat.
- Preheat the skillet until hot to ensure quick searing.
- Pat the beef dry, then season with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Add beef to the hot skillet and leave it untouched for 2–3 minutes until browned.
- Flip and brown all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker or set aside, ready for the next step.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation time: 15 mins. Cooking time: 8 hours. Total time: 8 hours 15 mins.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients
Chop the vegetables and cut the beef into chunks. Gather all ingredients before starting. This makes the process smooth.
2. Load ingredients into the slow cooker
Place beef, carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes in the slow cooker. Pour in beef broth and add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the stew
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. The meat should be tender and vegetables soft. Stir once or twice during cooking if you like.
4. Serve the stew
Once cooked, spoon the stew into bowls. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with bread if you like.
