Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew stands apart from the rest with its simplicity and incredible flavor. Made with tender stew meat, rustic potatoes, onions, and carrots combined in a rich, savory broth, it’s home cooking at its finest! Prep the stew in just a few minutes and enjoy a hearty bowl of soup, and leftovers that are just as delicious.

What’s To Love About This Recipe

• This cozy, hearty stew is perfect for fall and winter dinners, but I love this as a summer option too since it’s an all-in-one, filling meal for a busy family.
• Beef stew is made entirely in the slow cooker with minimal hands-on time. It’s not overcomplicated by preparation steps or extra pots and pans. Simply add everything to the slow cooker and let it simmer away!
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free which makes it a perfect option to feed a group or meet different dietary needs. It’s a true family-friendly comfort food with great flavor.
• Chopping the veggies is the only required prep! With pre-cut stew meat, you’ll only need to chop the onion, carrots, and potatoes before tossing them all into the slow cooker, making it easy to prep ahead for busy weeknights.
• Beef stew also makes a tasty and convenient freezer meal! Prep the meat, veggies, and seasonings for simple assembly after thawing, or freeze the cooked leftovers into deliciously homey, easy-to-reheat servings. 

Ingredients Needed 

• Stew Meat – Pre-cut beef stew meat is convenient and ideal for slow cooking since it gets super tender over time. Stew meat can sometimes be used interchangeably with other lean beef cuts, such as chuck roast cut into smaller chunks. It’s essential to use a lean cut or trim excess fat to keep the stew from becoming greasy.
• Sweet Onion – Peel and dice a sweet onion to complement the beef and create an aromatic depth in the rich broth.
• Carrots – I love the flavor of regular carrots, but a time-saving option is to use baby carrots. If you use regular-sized carrots, be sure to peel and chop them so they cook to the right tenderness. 
• Potatoes – Use a Yukon gold or red potato and leave the skins on to give the stew a rustic feel (plus save prep time!).  If you use baking potatoes with more starch, such as russets, they will break down more and will thicken the stew.
• Small Tapioca Pearls – Tapioca pearls are my favorite choice for thickening a stew with a smooth, not too thick texture and no floury taste. You can also toss the cut meat with cornstarch, tapioca flour, or regular flour before cooking if preferred. 
• Tomato Paste – Tomato paste also thickens the base of the stew and gives it extra depth from the acidity. 
• Sugar – A small amount of sugar provides the perfect balance between the acidity and richness of the broth and any fat from the stew meat.
• Herb and Garlic Seasoning – I always reach for my homemade seasoning blend for meats, veggies, soups, and stews. It’s just the right balance of herby flavors with salt and pepper to round it out.
• Salt – I like to add a bit more salt to make the broth extra savory.
• Beef Broth – Beef broth infuses the meat and veggies with more flavor and creates a richer base. You can opt for a low-sodium version if you prefer more control over seasoning.

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.

2. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
3. Stir thoroughly one more time before serving.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations 

Protein Options

• There are plenty of similar options to swap with stew meat. Use any other lean beef cut, such as beef tips, sirloin tips, or tenderloin tip. 
• Other larger cuts of beef will work, too! Try a chuck roast or round roast, cut into bite-sized chunks.
• For a different texture but similar flavors, try ground beef or turkey.
• Plant-based meat crumbles are also a vegetarian option with a vegetable broth.
• If you’re not sure if the cut will work, feel free to ask at the butcher counter of your local grocery store. I’ve found they are more than willing to help you out!

Veggie Swaps:

• Use sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a slightly sweetened flavor and more autumnal palette.
• Add mushrooms, frozen peas, or green beans near the end of cooking to bulk up the veggie content.
• Choose other frozen vegetable blends that you love and just add them in during the last 30-60 minutes.

Flavor Boosters:

• For another layer of complexity, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
• Add canned tomatoes for richness and a heartier texture.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Beef Stew

There’s nothing more homey and delicious than a steaming bowl of beef stew and something to dip into the broth! Serve a piping bowl with crusty brown bread or sourdough, Easy Buttermilk Drop Biscuits, or a pan of cornbread (even better if it’s made in a cast iron skillet!).

Add a fresh green salad for contrast, and spoon over Slow Cooker Cheesy Mashed Potatoes or egg noodles to up the comfort-food factor.

Storing and Reheating 

Freezer Meal Instructions

This recipe makes the best freezer meal, perfect for a cozy, prepped meal on a busy day when you need it. Combine all raw ingredients (except the broth) in a freezer bag, remove excess air, and freeze the bag flat. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. 

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge 

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer 

Alternatively, freeze cooked stew in single portions for up to 3 months for easy future meals. Be sure to let the stew cook thoroughly and store it in freezer-safe containers or bags.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat stew on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Or, reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between rounds. 

Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the stew’s consistency.

More Slow Cooker Stew Recipes

• Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
• Beef and Butternut Squash Stew
• Slow Cooker Irish Stew
• Slow Cooker Fall Harvest Pork Stew
• Crockpot Seafood Stew
• Slow Cooker Beef and Herbed Dumpling Stew