Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a cozy, comforting meal made with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich savory broth. Slow cooking allows the beef to become wonderfully tender while the flavors develop throughout the day.
This easy beef stew is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, and whenever you want a satisfying meal with minimal hands-on cooking.
Why This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Works
- Easy to prepare: The slow cooker does most of the work.
- Tender beef: Long, slow cooking creates melt-in-your-mouth beef.
- Hearty and filling: Potatoes, carrots, and beef make a complete meal.
- Rich flavor: Beef broth, herbs, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce create a savory stew.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
1. Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. Make the Stew Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, flour, thyme, and rosemary until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
4. Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Add the Peas
Stir in the frozen peas during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow them to heat through.
6. Serve
Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread, biscuits, or dinner rolls.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Use beef chuck: It becomes especially tender during slow cooking.
- Brown the beef first: This adds extra depth and savory flavor.
- Cut vegetables evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook more consistently.
- Don’t lift the lid too often: Keeping the slow cooker covered helps maintain the cooking temperature.
- Add peas near the end: This keeps them bright and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Let it rest: Allow the stew to sit for a few minutes before serving so the broth can thicken slightly.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Stew is an easy, hearty dinner that’s perfect for cozy nights. Tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas simmer together in a rich, savory broth for a comforting meal that requires very little hands-on preparation.
Serve it with crusty bread for an easy and satisfying family dinner.
