Here’s a classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew—rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners. It’s packed with tender beef, vegetables, and savory gravy.
🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef stew meat, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1–2 bay leaves
- 2–3 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
🥄 Instructions
- Prep Ingredients:
Chop all vegetables and season the beef with salt and pepper. Optional: lightly coat beef cubes in flour for a thicker stew. - Layer in Slow Cooker:
Place potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion at the bottom. Add beef on top. Sprinkle garlic, thyme, rosemary, and tomato paste. - Add Liquid:
Pour beef broth over everything. Add bay leaves. - Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked.
- Thicken Gravy (Optional):
If you like a thicker stew, mix 2–3 tbsp cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the stew and cook on high for 10–15 minutes. - Serve:
Remove bay leaves. Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
💡 Tips:
- For extra flavor, sear the beef in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
- Add peas or green beans in the last 30 minutes to keep them bright and tender.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
I can also give a super easy 5-ingredient slow cooker beef stew that’s ready with minimal prep but still tender and flavorful.
Do you want me to share that version?