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Hey y’all! If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew is for you. Packed with melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s the ultimate dinner for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or lazy Sundays. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can kick back and enjoy incredible aromas filling your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Set it and forget it—minimal effort for maximum flavor.

Ultra-tender beef and veggies that soak up every drop of the rich gravy.
Perfect for meal prep—this stew gets even better the next day.
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and add-ins.

Family-friendly and freezer-friendly for ultimate convenience.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch chunks

3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cups low-sodium beef broth

1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
1 cup frozen peas

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Directions

Step 1: Prep the Beef

In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per batch). Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer the Veggies

To the slow cooker, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables. Add bay leaves.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.

Step 5: Finish the Stew

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8-9 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: 8.5-9.5 hours

Notes for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew

For even more flavor, use homemade beef broth (see how here).
If you like thicker stew, mash a few potato chunks into the broth before serving.
For extra depth, deglaze your skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the beef and add it to the slow cooker (learn more about deglazing).

Variations on Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Guinness Beef Stew: Replace 1 cup of broth with dark beer for a malty richness.
Spicy Beef Stew: Add 1-2 tsp smoked paprika and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Gluten-Free Stew: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Required Equipment for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

6-quart slow cooker
Large skillet
Chef’s knife and cutting board

Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Cool the stew completely and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serve with crusty sourdough bread or buttery dinner rolls for dunking.
Add a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Pair with a glass of hearty red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Cut your beef and vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Browning the beef first adds deep, caramelized flavor (don’t skip this step!).
For a nutritional breakdown, check out this guide from EatingWell.

FAQ: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Stew ahead of time?: Absolutely! The flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.
What cut of beef is best for stew?: Beef chuck is ideal—it’s budget-friendly and becomes extremely tender after slow cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?: Yes! Parsnips, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes work great. Just keep the total veggie quantity similar so the stew isn’t overcrowded.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew