Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Made Simple is a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, savory broth. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal—perfect for chilly days, busy weeknights, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home.

ingredients

Cooking Slow Cooker Beef Stew Made Simple 10 Slow Cooker Beef Stew Made Simple is a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, savory broth. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal—perfect for chilly days, busy weeknights, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

stew beef (chuck roast, cut into cubes)potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)carrotsceleryoniongarlicbeef brothtomato pasteWorcestershire saucebay leavesdried thymeflour (for dredging)olive oilsalt and black pepper

directions

Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then toss with a bit of flour to coat lightly.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches until golden on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Add chopped onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.

In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the meat and vegetables.

Add bay leaves and thyme. Stir gently to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.

Remove bay leaves and stir before serving. Optional: thicken the stew by mashing some potatoes or mixing in a cornstarch slurry.

Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesBrowning time: 10 minutesCooking time: 7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on highTotal time: up to 8 hours 25 minutes

Variations

Add peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Add red wine for a deeper, richer broth.

Include mushrooms for extra umami and texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Slow cooker beef stew freezes well—cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the beef?

Yes, but browning adds rich flavor and depth to the stew.

What cut of beef is best?

Chuck roast is ideal—well-marbled and tender when slow-cooked.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour and check all ingredients for gluten-free labels.

How do I thicken the stew?

Mash some potatoes, add a cornstarch slurry, or simmer with the lid off for the last 30 minutes.

Can I cook it overnight?

Yes, set it on low overnight and enjoy for lunch or dinner the next day.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure your slow cooker can hold the extra volume.

Do I peel the potatoes?

It’s optional—Yukon gold skin is thin and soft, but you can peel if preferred.

Is it okay to use frozen veggies?

Yes, just add them in the last hour to prevent overcooking.

Can I use bouillon cubes instead of broth?

Yes, dissolve in water and adjust salt accordingly.

What can I serve it with?

Crusty bread, biscuits, or a green salad make great pairings.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Made Simple is a cozy, classic dish that delivers big flavor with little effort. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s the perfect one-pot meal for any day of the week. Set it, forget it, and come home to a hearty, soul-warming dinner that everyone will love.