Slow Cooker Beef Stew

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Delicious slow cooker beef stew with vegetables and herbs

About this recipe

This slow cooker beef stew makes a warm, home meal. It uses beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and a simple broth mix. You can set the slow cooker and come back to a rich stew. For one more simple version, see slow cooker beef stew guide.

why make this recipe

You make this stew when you want a plain, strong meal with little work. The slow cooker cooks meat so it gets soft and full of taste. You can make it ahead and eat later. If you want a fuller version, check a good note on the ultimate slow cooker stew.

How to make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This guide shows the easy steps to cook the stew in a slow cooker. You add meat and veg, pour the broth mix, and cook slowly. You can use a small trick from other stew recipes to help the flavor, like this beef stew steps.

Ingredients :

  • 2 pounds stew meat
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 4 large carrots, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

For more ideas on sides and add-ins, you can read more beef stew ideas.

Directions :

  1. In a slow cooker, combine stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  5. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  6. Serve hot.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

You can also read a tip from a chicken stew recipe for timing and texture: slow cooker chicken stew tip.

How to serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serve the stew hot in a deep bowl. Add fresh parsley or a small sprig of thyme on top if you like. Give warm bread or a roll on the side. You can also serve with plain rice or mashed potatoes.

How to store Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Let the stew cool to room heat for up to two hours. Put it in a tight lid container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer store, freeze in a safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before warm up.

tips to make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

  • Brown the meat first in a pan for more taste, but you can skip this step.
  • Cut the veg in even pieces so they cook the same.
  • Use low heat for best soft meat.
  • Add salt at the end if you worry about over-salt.
  • If you like a deeper taste, add a splash more Worcestershire or a bay leaf while it cooks.

variation (if any)

  • Make a thicker stew by adding the flour slurry at the end.
  • Add mushrooms or peas in the last 30 minutes for more veg.
  • Use red wine (1/2 cup) instead of some broth for a richer sauce.
  • For a lighter stew, use low-salt broth.

FAQs

Q: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A: Yes. Cook on high for about 4 hours. Check the meat for doneness.

Q: Do I need to brown the meat first?
A: No. Browning adds more taste but you do not need to brown the meat.

Q: Can I use frozen beef?
A: It is best to thaw the beef first. Frozen beef can lower the slow cooker heat and change cook time.

Q: How do I make the stew thicker?
A: Mix 2 tablespoons flour with a little water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew in the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes. Add mushrooms, peas, or green beans near the end of cook time.

Conclusion

For one more clear, trusted recipe and extra notes, see Slow Cooker Beef Stew – The Cozy Cook (https://thecozycook.com/slow-cooker-beef-stew/).

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew


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  • Author: olivia
  • Total Time: 495 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A warm, hearty slow cooker beef stew that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds stew meat
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 4 large carrots, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. In a slow cooker, combine stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  5. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  6. Serve hot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the meat first. Serve with fresh parsley or thyme on top, and warm bread on the side.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 480 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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