Description

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cold days. Tender beef chuck is slow-cooked with vibrant vegetables, rich beef broth, and aromatic herbs to create a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth stew with minimal effort. Ideal for cozy meals, this recipe is adaptable, easy to prep, and delivers nourishing depth with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks

Vegetables

3 large carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Seasonings

4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme)
2 bay leaves
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
2 tablespoons cooking oil (for searing beef)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck into even chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the beef pieces on all sides to lock in flavor.
Chop the Vegetables: While the beef is searing, peel and cut carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Layer browned beef and chopped vegetables in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and pour in the beef broth. Stir gently to combine, taking care not to break up the ingredients.
Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
Thicken the Stew: About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour or cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the stew to thicken the broth to a rich, stew-like consistency.

Notes

Brown the beef first to add extra depth of flavor.
Do not skip thyme and bay leaves; they provide essential aroma and earthiness.
Cut vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to preserve heat and moisture.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours (low) or 4 to 5 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: slow cooker, beef stew, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty stew, slow cooked beef, one pot meal