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Home » Dinner » Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

by Sarah Olson on May 24, 2019 | Updated August 6, 2020 115 Comments

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3 photo collage of slow cooker beef stew, image for pinterest

If you are looking for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe, look no further! This recipe is thick and hearty and from scratch.

This is a recipe everyone should have in their back pocket for the slow cooker. My recipe is thick and hearty and has great reviews.

finished beef stew in the slow cooker, with rolls and wooden spoon next to it.

The first time I made beef stew is when I first married 17 years ago. Oh man what a disaster, that recipe turned out runny and had no flavor. The recipe I tried was from a famous slow cooker cookbook and the end result was more of watery soup than a stew.

close up beef stew in slow cooker, wooden soon inside.

How to make the best Slow Cooker Beef Stew:

This recipe is easy and still made from scratch. Be sure to dice your vegetables before starting on the sauce for a smooth experience.

You will need:

  • cubed stew meat
  • flour – this is what thickens the stew
  • salt
  • pepper
  • onion powder
  • dried thyme
  • cooking oil
  • beef broth
  • tomato paste – this thickens the stew too
  • red potatoes
  • baby carrots
  • onion
  • frozen peas (optional)
cooked thick beef stew in a slow cooker

Time to prepare:

  • Add the seasonings to the flour.
  • Toss the beef in the flour mixture.
  • Cook the beef in the cooking oil on the stove top in a large skillet.
  • Deglaze the pan with the beef broth and add the tomato paste.
  • Add the veggies to the slow cooker.
  • Pour over the meat/sauce mixture over the veggies in the slow cooker.
One bowl beef stew on potholder

How long do I cook?

Cook on low for 7-8 hours for perfectly tender beef and vegetables. I recommend the low setting for this recipe.

3 bowls of beef stew in white bowls with rolls on side

How to serve:

  • Serve warm right out of the slow cooker. This recipe is great for potlucks or bringing a meal to a sick friend.
  • Serve with dinner rolls, butter, and a side salad if desired.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. I don’t recommend freezing beef stew with potatoes for potatoes don’t do well in the freezer.
 close up beef stew in slow cooker, wooden soon inside.

This recipe will not disappoint you, it is full of flavor, and it’s nice and thick. This stew recipe reminds me of a perfect pot roast dinner, with everything chopped to the perfect size, with gravy on it!

Looking for a great Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe? Here is my recipe recommendation for the instant pot.

Other Slow Cooker Stew recipes that are a must-try!

  • Slow Cooker Shipwreck Stew
  • Slow Cooker Beefy Bacon Man Stew
  • Slow Cooker A1 Beef Stew
  • Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

thick beef stew in a slow cooker with rolls and bowls on the side.

Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew

4.97 from 31 votes
From scratch thick and hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew. A recipe you will make over and over.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: slow cooker beef stew
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 261kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker Size: 6-quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. stew meat or 2 pounds any lean roast cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. thyme
  • cooking oil, about 2 tablespoons
  • 28 oz. beef broth (2 14 oz. cans)
  • 6 oz. can tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 lbs. red potatoes quartered or diced cut into inch pieces
  • 1 lb. bag baby carrots
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 2 cups frozen peas optional
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Add the potatoes, carrots and onions to the slow cooker.
  • Combine flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and thyme in a big ziplock bag. Shake, then add the stew meat.
  • Shake to coat the pieces evenly. (or this can be done in a large bowl)
  • Brown the meat in the cooking oil on all sides, you don’t need to cook the meat through. You may need to cook the meat in batches.
  • De-glaze the pan with the beef broth. Add the tomato paste, scrape up any brown bits of meat and flour into the sauce. The sauce will thicken and will only take a few minutes.
  • Add the meat and sauce to the slow cooker.
  • Stir.
  • Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
  • Add peas at the end of cooking time. Put the lid back on and cook for 15 more minutes to thaw the peas. If the stew thickens too much after being stirred, add water.

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Mushrooms are a great addition to this stew. Add 1-2 cups of sliced mushrooms if desired.
Want to add red wine? Sub out 1 cup of the beef broth and replace it with red wine.
Nutritional values are approximate. If you require a special diet, please use your own calculations. The values below are for 1/10 of the recipe.

Nutrition:

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 995mg | Potassium: 1035mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 6745IU | Vitamin C: 23.5mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 4.2mg
Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker
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    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner, Soups Tagged With: beef, Crock pot, hearty, slow cooker, stew

    Comments

    1. Kay says

      January 30, 2021 at 9:32 am

      One of my all time favorites from the Magical Slow Cooker 😀

      Reply
    2. Jim R says

      January 24, 2021 at 6:41 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great recipe. To often slow cooker stews end up to thin and brothy. I love how this recipe ends up with a thick sauce that is sopped up with some bread. Next time I plan on serving it in a bread bowl. This will certainly be in our family meal rotation.

      Reply
    3. Mia says

      January 10, 2021 at 4:26 pm

      5 stars
      Hello Sarah! Thank you so much for this recipe! I am making it with your suggestion of adding a cup of red wine to the broth. I am wondering if tucking a bay leaf would be good. Also, would you recommend the 2 tsp. of Worcestershire sauce with the red wine and the flavor of the bay leaf?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 10, 2021 at 6:16 pm

        Yes, a bay leaf would work great. And Worcestershire sauce too! Great ideas.

        Reply
        • Mia says

          January 11, 2021 at 8:36 pm

          5 stars
          The stew came out so delicious! Thanks again Sarah! This is a keeper! Many Blessings to you and yours!

          Reply
          • Sarah Olson says

            January 12, 2021 at 8:48 am

            So glad you enjoyed it, we love this meal too.

            Reply
    4. carla says

      December 26, 2020 at 10:24 am

      It gives you the time for low setting, can it be done on high? If so what will the time be for high setting?
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 26, 2020 at 10:43 am

        You can do on high. Add a little more broth though, so it does start. About 4-5 hours on high or until the potatoes are tender.

        Reply
    5. Robyn says

      December 26, 2020 at 9:16 am

      This is in my crock pot as we speak. If it’s too thin, I’ll add a packet of dry beef gravy mix. I forgot both the tomato paste and Worcestershire. Im sure it will still be wonderful.

      Reply
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