Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This hearty slow cooker beef stew is packed with fall-apart tender chuck roast, rich broth, and classic vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas. It's the kind of dish that simmers all day and makes your home smell like comfort. Whether you're new to slow cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is foolproof, flexible, and feeds a crowd with minimal effort. Just prep, set, and forget, then enjoy a cozy, flavor-packed meal by dinnertime.
Equipment
- 6–8 quart slow cooker
- Skillet (optional, for browning beef)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl (for broth)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chuck roast cut into 1.5” cubes
- 3 medium Carrots peeled, sliced
- 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes cubed
- 1 large Yellow onion chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dried thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon each Cornstarch + cold water optional for slurry
- 1 cup Frozen peas added at end
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil for browning (optional)
Instructions
- Optional but Recommended: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides for 3–4 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer browned beef on top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over beef and vegetables.
- Tuck in the bay leaf. Cover and cook on Low for 10 hours or High for 6 hours.
- In the last hour of cooking, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir into the stew to thicken.
- Add frozen peas during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Let stew rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread!
Notes
Nutritional Info (Estimated per serving):
- Calories 420 kcal
- Protein 38g
- Fat 18g
- Carbohydrates 28g
- Fiber 5g
- Sugar 4g
- Sodium 740mg
