Name: Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Hey y'all! When the temperature drops or you just need a big bowl of comfort, nothing beats a hearty Slow-Cooker Beef Stew. This recipe is brimming with melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and a savory broth that's perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or cozy Sundays at home. It’s easy, satisfying, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Let's get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Set-it-and-forget-it: Prep in the morning and come home to a ready-made meal.
Rich, deep flavors develop with minimal hands-on time.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Customizable with your favorite veggies and seasonings.
Freezes and reheats beautifully for future dinners.

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
½ cup dry red wine (or extra broth for non-alcoholic)
2 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
1 cup frozen peas (add at end)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Slow-Cooker Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Directions

Prep the Beef

Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per batch). Transfer browned beef to your slow cooker. (Optional step, but adds great flavor!)

Build the Stew in the Slow Cooker

Add carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef.
Whisk together beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour mixture over beef and vegetables.

Slow-Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef and vegetables are fork-tender.

Finish and Serve

During the last 20 minutes, stir in frozen peas. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy piping hot!

Notes & Cooking Tips for Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

For even more flavor, deglaze your skillet with a splash of broth after browning the beef and scrape up the browned bits into the slow cooker.
If your stew is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoon cold water and stir into the stew 30 minutes before serving.
Want to learn more about slow-cooking techniques? Check out this guide to slow cookers by Serious Eats.

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew Variations

Guinness Beef Stew: Swap red wine for 1 cup of Guinness stout for rich, malty flavor.
Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with turnips or more carrots and celery.
Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat.

Required Equipment for Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Large slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
Large skillet (for browning beef)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions for Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Store cooled beef stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Serve with crusty French bread, biscuits, or a classic homemade sourdough.
Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Enjoy with a glass of bold red wine or a dark beer.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Cut your veggies into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Let your stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
For more tips on selecting beef cuts, check out this beef cuts guide.

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew FAQ

Can I make Slow-Cooker Beef Stew ahead of time?: Absolutely! The flavors get even better after a day in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.
Can I use different cuts of beef?: Yes, stew meat, brisket, or round roast all work, but beef chuck delivers the most tender, flavorful results.
Is it necessary to brown the beef?: While optional, browning the beef adds deeper flavor and richer color to your stew, so it's highly recommended.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew