Slow Cooker Beef Stew Hearty Flavorful Comfort Dish

by
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bay leaf - 1 cup frozen peas (to be added at the end) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The beef stew meat gives the dish its heartiness. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture. Onions and garlic bring depth of flavor. Broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce create a rich base. Thyme and rosemary add aromatic notes. A serving of this stew has about 300 calories. You'll get around 15 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbs. This meal is gluten-free because it uses no wheat products. It offers a balanced mix of nutrients, making it a great comfort food choice without guilt. This stew is not only filling but also a crowd-pleaser. You can feel good about serving it to family and friends. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To start, we need to sear the beef. This step adds rich taste to the stew. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer. Sear each side until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside. Next, prepare the vegetables. Chop 1 large onion, mince 3 cloves of garlic, slice 4 medium carrots, and dice 3 medium potatoes. Make sure the pieces are even. This helps them cook well in the slow cooker. Now, let’s mix the broth and seasonings. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary. Don't forget to toss in 1 bay leaf. Once well mixed, pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat and let it cook for about 8 hours. If you are short on time, set it to high heat and cook for 4 hours. Either way, the beef will become fork-tender, and the veggies will be soft. After about 30 minutes before serving, add 1 cup of frozen peas. This sweet touch will brighten up your stew. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To boost the flavor of your slow cooker beef stew, adjust the seasoning. Start with salt and pepper. Add more if needed after cooking. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste. Try adding parsley or basil for a pop of freshness. You can also use dried herbs like thyme and rosemary. These add depth without overpowering the dish. Searing meat is a must. This step locks in juices and flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then brown the beef on all sides. This creates a nice crust. Next, layer your ingredients in the slow cooker. Place the meat at the bottom. Add vegetables on top. This way, the meat absorbs all the flavors from the veggies as they cook. Serve your stew in deep bowls. This keeps it warm longer. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. Slices of crusty bread make a great side. They soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve a light salad for a fresh contrast. This makes your meal more balanced and inviting. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in this beef stew. Chicken or pork works great if you want a new taste. Just cut the meat into pieces like the beef. For veggies, try mushrooms or celery instead of carrots and potatoes. These add a nice twist and different textures. Feel free to mix and match what you have at home! Herbs can change the whole taste of your stew. Adding parsley or basil gives it a fresh lift. You can also try adding a splash of red wine or beer. Both choices create a richer flavor profile. These ingredients help deepen the stew’s complexity. Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor combination! If you’re in a hurry, you can use an Instant Pot. Just set it to the stew function for about 35 minutes. This gives you a similar taste in less time. You can also cook this stew on the stovetop. Just follow the same steps, but let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Whichever method you choose, you will have a delicious dish to enjoy. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe](#). To keep your beef stew fresh, let it cool first. Store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it soon. For longer storage, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Keep portions small for easy thawing. When reheating, I recommend using the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place the stew in a pot over low heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. In the fridge, your stew lasts about 3 to 4 days. If frozen, it can last up to 4 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before consuming. Enjoy your savory slow cooker beef stew, knowing it can be a meal for later! Slow cooker beef stew takes about 8 hours on low heat or 4 hours on high heat. Cooking on low gives the best flavor and tenderness. If you're in a hurry, you can opt for the high setting. The beef will still be tender, but it may not have the same depth of flavor. Yes, you can definitely add more vegetables to your stew. Here are some great options: - Mushrooms for an earthy taste - Celery for extra crunch - Green beans for a pop of color - Peppers for sweetness Add these towards the start of cooking for the best results. This helps them soak up all the yummy flavors. You can make this beef stew gluten-free with a few changes. Use gluten-free beef broth instead of regular broth. For thickening, try cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Simply mix it with water and add it to the stew at the end of cooking to achieve a nice, thick texture. Enjoy a delicious meal without gluten! In this article, I covered a hearty beef stew recipe, including ingredients, cooking tips, and variations. Using simple steps, you can make a tasty meal. Remember to enhance flavors with spices and serve it well. You can also customize the recipe with different meats and vegetables. This stew is easy to store and reheat. Enjoy creating your own version! Cooking at home should be fun and satisfying.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re craving a warm, filling meal, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew is your answer. With tender beef and fresh vegetables simmered in rich broth, it offers a cozy comfort that delights everyone. In this article, I will share the complete ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and helpful cooking tips. Plus, you’ll discover clever variations and storage advice. Grab your slow cooker and let’s make a dish that warms both heart and home!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Complete Ingredient List

– 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

– 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds

– 3 medium potatoes, diced

– 1 large onion, chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 4 cups beef broth

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 bay leaf

– 1 cup frozen peas (to be added at the end)

Each ingredient plays a vital role. The beef stew meat gives the dish its heartiness. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture. Onions and garlic bring depth of flavor. Broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce create a rich base. Thyme and rosemary add aromatic notes.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this stew has about 300 calories. You’ll get around 15 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbs. This meal is gluten-free because it uses no wheat products. It offers a balanced mix of nutrients, making it a great comfort food choice without guilt.

This stew is not only filling but also a crowd-pleaser. You can feel good about serving it to family and friends. For more details, check the Full Recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

To start, we need to sear the beef. This step adds rich taste to the stew. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer. Sear each side until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Next, prepare the vegetables. Chop 1 large onion, mince 3 cloves of garlic, slice 4 medium carrots, and dice 3 medium potatoes. Make sure the pieces are even. This helps them cook well in the slow cooker.

Combining Ingredients

Now, let’s mix the broth and seasonings. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary. Don’t forget to toss in 1 bay leaf. Once well mixed, pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.

Cooking Times and Settings

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat and let it cook for about 8 hours. If you are short on time, set it to high heat and cook for 4 hours. Either way, the beef will become fork-tender, and the veggies will be soft.

After about 30 minutes before serving, add 1 cup of frozen peas. This sweet touch will brighten up your stew.

For more details, check out the Full Recipe.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the flavor of your slow cooker beef stew, adjust the seasoning. Start with salt and pepper. Add more if needed after cooking. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste. Try adding parsley or basil for a pop of freshness. You can also use dried herbs like thyme and rosemary. These add depth without overpowering the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Searing meat is a must. This step locks in juices and flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then brown the beef on all sides. This creates a nice crust. Next, layer your ingredients in the slow cooker. Place the meat at the bottom. Add vegetables on top. This way, the meat absorbs all the flavors from the veggies as they cook.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your stew in deep bowls. This keeps it warm longer. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. Slices of crusty bread make a great side. They soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve a light salad for a fresh contrast. This makes your meal more balanced and inviting.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch up the meat in this beef stew. Chicken or pork works great if you want a new taste. Just cut the meat into pieces like the beef.

For veggies, try mushrooms or celery instead of carrots and potatoes. These add a nice twist and different textures. Feel free to mix and match what you have at home!

Flavor Variations

Herbs can change the whole taste of your stew. Adding parsley or basil gives it a fresh lift. You can also try adding a splash of red wine or beer. Both choices create a richer flavor profile.

These ingredients help deepen the stew’s complexity. Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor combination!

Cooking Method Alternatives

If you’re in a hurry, you can use an Instant Pot. Just set it to the stew function for about 35 minutes. This gives you a similar taste in less time.

You can also cook this stew on the stovetop. Just follow the same steps, but let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Whichever method you choose, you will have a delicious dish to enjoy.

For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe](#).

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your beef stew fresh, let it cool first. Store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it soon. For longer storage, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Keep portions small for easy thawing.

Reheating Instructions

When reheating, I recommend using the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place the stew in a pot over low heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your stew lasts about 3 to 4 days. If frozen, it can last up to 4 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before consuming. Enjoy your savory slow cooker beef stew, knowing it can be a meal for later!

FAQs

How long does it take to cook slow cooker beef stew?

Slow cooker beef stew takes about 8 hours on low heat or 4 hours on high heat. Cooking on low gives the best flavor and tenderness. If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for the high setting. The beef will still be tender, but it may not have the same depth of flavor.

Can I add more vegetables to my stew?

Yes, you can definitely add more vegetables to your stew. Here are some great options:

– Mushrooms for an earthy taste

– Celery for extra crunch

– Green beans for a pop of color

– Peppers for sweetness

Add these towards the start of cooking for the best results. This helps them soak up all the yummy flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can make this beef stew gluten-free with a few changes. Use gluten-free beef broth instead of regular broth. For thickening, try cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Simply mix it with water and add it to the stew at the end of cooking to achieve a nice, thick texture. Enjoy a delicious meal without gluten!

In this article, I covered a hearty beef stew recipe, including ingredients, cooking tips, and variations. Using simple steps, you can make a tasty meal. Remember to enhance flavors with spices and serve it well. You can also customize the recipe with different meats and vegetables. This stew is easy to store and reheat. Enjoy creating your own version! Cooking at home should be fun and satisfying.

- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bay leaf - 1 cup frozen peas (to be added at the end) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The beef stew meat gives the dish its heartiness. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture. Onions and garlic bring depth of flavor. Broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce create a rich base. Thyme and rosemary add aromatic notes. A serving of this stew has about 300 calories. You'll get around 15 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbs. This meal is gluten-free because it uses no wheat products. It offers a balanced mix of nutrients, making it a great comfort food choice without guilt. This stew is not only filling but also a crowd-pleaser. You can feel good about serving it to family and friends. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To start, we need to sear the beef. This step adds rich taste to the stew. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer. Sear each side until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside. Next, prepare the vegetables. Chop 1 large onion, mince 3 cloves of garlic, slice 4 medium carrots, and dice 3 medium potatoes. Make sure the pieces are even. This helps them cook well in the slow cooker. Now, let’s mix the broth and seasonings. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary. Don't forget to toss in 1 bay leaf. Once well mixed, pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat and let it cook for about 8 hours. If you are short on time, set it to high heat and cook for 4 hours. Either way, the beef will become fork-tender, and the veggies will be soft. After about 30 minutes before serving, add 1 cup of frozen peas. This sweet touch will brighten up your stew. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To boost the flavor of your slow cooker beef stew, adjust the seasoning. Start with salt and pepper. Add more if needed after cooking. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste. Try adding parsley or basil for a pop of freshness. You can also use dried herbs like thyme and rosemary. These add depth without overpowering the dish. Searing meat is a must. This step locks in juices and flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then brown the beef on all sides. This creates a nice crust. Next, layer your ingredients in the slow cooker. Place the meat at the bottom. Add vegetables on top. This way, the meat absorbs all the flavors from the veggies as they cook. Serve your stew in deep bowls. This keeps it warm longer. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. Slices of crusty bread make a great side. They soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve a light salad for a fresh contrast. This makes your meal more balanced and inviting. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in this beef stew. Chicken or pork works great if you want a new taste. Just cut the meat into pieces like the beef. For veggies, try mushrooms or celery instead of carrots and potatoes. These add a nice twist and different textures. Feel free to mix and match what you have at home! Herbs can change the whole taste of your stew. Adding parsley or basil gives it a fresh lift. You can also try adding a splash of red wine or beer. Both choices create a richer flavor profile. These ingredients help deepen the stew’s complexity. Experiment with these options to find your favorite flavor combination! If you’re in a hurry, you can use an Instant Pot. Just set it to the stew function for about 35 minutes. This gives you a similar taste in less time. You can also cook this stew on the stovetop. Just follow the same steps, but let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Whichever method you choose, you will have a delicious dish to enjoy. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe](#). To keep your beef stew fresh, let it cool first. Store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it soon. For longer storage, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Keep portions small for easy thawing. When reheating, I recommend using the stove or microwave. If using the stove, place the stew in a pot over low heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. In the fridge, your stew lasts about 3 to 4 days. If frozen, it can last up to 4 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before consuming. Enjoy your savory slow cooker beef stew, knowing it can be a meal for later! Slow cooker beef stew takes about 8 hours on low heat or 4 hours on high heat. Cooking on low gives the best flavor and tenderness. If you're in a hurry, you can opt for the high setting. The beef will still be tender, but it may not have the same depth of flavor. Yes, you can definitely add more vegetables to your stew. Here are some great options: - Mushrooms for an earthy taste - Celery for extra crunch - Green beans for a pop of color - Peppers for sweetness Add these towards the start of cooking for the best results. This helps them soak up all the yummy flavors. You can make this beef stew gluten-free with a few changes. Use gluten-free beef broth instead of regular broth. For thickening, try cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Simply mix it with water and add it to the stew at the end of cooking to achieve a nice, thick texture. Enjoy a delicious meal without gluten! In this article, I covered a hearty beef stew recipe, including ingredients, cooking tips, and variations. Using simple steps, you can make a tasty meal. Remember to enhance flavors with spices and serve it well. You can also customize the recipe with different meats and vegetables. This stew is easy to store and reheat. Enjoy creating your own version! Cooking at home should be fun and satisfying.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Warm up your evenings with this Savory Slow Cooker Beef Stew that’s packed with tender beef and hearty vegetables. In just a few simple steps, you'll create a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. This stew cooks low and slow for maximum flavor, making it easy to prepare. Ready to dive into a delicious recipe? Click through to explore the full instructions and make this must-try dish tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds

3 medium potatoes, diced

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 bay leaf

1 cup frozen peas (to be added at the end)

Instructions
 

Prep the Meat: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the beef stew meat generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef to the skillet in a single layer. Sear the meat on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes). This crucial step will enhance the overall flavor of your stew, creating a depth of taste that will make it irresistible.

    Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. Next, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed over the meat.

      Mix the Broth: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf until thoroughly blended. Pour this flavorful mixture over the contents in the slow cooker, covering the meat and vegetables.

        Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow it to cook for approximately 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft. For those short on time, you can set it to high heat and cook for 4 hours instead.

          Add Peas: About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, add the frozen peas to the stew. Stir them gently into the mixture and let them warm through, allowing their sweetness to infuse the stew.

            Final Touches: Once the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the bay leaf from the stew. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 8 hours | 6 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Ladle the hearty stew into deep bowls, garnishing with fresh, chopped parsley for a vibrant contrast. For a complete meal, serve alongside slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth!

                  WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?