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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Dinner » Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

by Sarah Olson on March 9, 2022 145 Comments

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

Stew is a perfect weekend recipe. You can make a big batch and eat the leftovers for lunch over the next few days. Also, try my shipwreck stew or Guinness beef stew.

beef stew done cooking in slow cooker

Why this recipe works

This recipe for crockpot beef stew has fresh vegetables, lots of seasonings, and a touch of tomato paste for a smooth tomato flavor.

The stew is thick, for the beef is coated in flour, which helps thicken the “gravy.” Browning the meat adds a rich flavor to the stew. Though this recipe has a few steps, you will have grandma-made traditional beef stew at the end of the day.

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

ingredients for beef stew on table

Recipe Ingredients

  • Beef – Find beef stew meat at your local grocer; it is already the perfect size for beef stew. Or you can cut up a beef chuck roast or bottom round roast into cubes. Be sure to cut off the large pieces of gristle and fat.
  • Flour Coating – A combination of flour, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder is made and tossed with the beef cubes. The flour will thicken the stew. You will also need cooking oil to brown the meat.
  • Vegetables – Red potatoes, carrots, and onion. You can also add two celery stalks if desired.
  • Broth – Beef broth or beef stock can be used in this dish, do not use water for it will dilute all the flavorings.
  • Tomato Paste – Beef stew has a slight tomato flavor, that is where the tomato paste comes into play. You’ll get a tomato flavor without having chunks of tomatoes. If you don’t have a small can of tomato paste, you can use a small can of plain tomato sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions

images on how to flour and season beef cubes

Step One – Add the flour and seasonings to a bowl or large ziplock bag, stir or shake to distribute the seasoning with the flour.

Step Two – Add the beef cubes.

Step Three – Stir the beef into the flour mixture (or shake your ziplock bag) until they are evenly coated.

4 images about how to brown and add tomato paste and beef broth to pan

Step Four – Set a large skillet to medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the oil.

Step Five – Brown the beef on both sides; no need to cook through; the slow cooker will do that.

Step Six – After you have browned the beef, add the tomato paste and beef broth. Stir. Let the sauce and beef simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step Seven – Add your vegetables to the slow cooker and pour over the beef and broth mixture. Stir. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours. The low and slow cooking time will produce tender beef and vegetables.

peas being added to crockpot beef stew

Step Eight – Add the frozen peas (if you like them) after the cooking time is up. Add the lid back on and let the peas come to temperature. This will only take about 15 minutes.

Step Nine – Serve and enjoy!

side view of beef stew ready to serve

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.
One bowl beef stew on potholder

Variations

  • Sweet Potato Stew – Substitute sweet potatoes for a healthier and vitamin-packed stew for the red potatoes.
  • Onion Soup Mix – Instead of adding salt to this recipe, add a packet of onion soup mix; this will add significant onion flavor to your stew.
  • No potato stew – Out of potatoes? Don’t fret. Make this stew as directed, but without the potatoes. Instead, serve over steamed rice or egg noodles.

Recipe FAQs

How to store:

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.

What other vegetables can I add to the stew?

You can add sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, and even mushrooms if you desire! The flavors of the stew go well with just about any vegetable.

Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?

Yes, though you’ll want to mix three tablespoons of cornstarch and three tablespoons of water and add that to the broth mixture at the beginning of the cooking time. Still season your beef and brown it before adding to the slow cooker.

Can I skip browning the meat?

You can forgo browning the meat, though it adds more flavor to the stew if you do. If you don’t sear your meat, you’ll want to skip using flour, the flour will clump if added straight to the slow cooker. Instead, thicken the stew instead use cornstarch and cold water (mix three tablespoons of each well before adding). Add at the beginning of the cooking time.

Can I add Worcestershire sauce?

Yes! Add one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the stew for a rich depth of flavor.

Can I add red wine?

Yes, though you’ll only want to add a 1/2 cup. Wine can be robust in slow cooker recipes. I suggest a red blend, merlot, or pinot noir.

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

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

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

beef stew done cooking in slow cooker

Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

4.91 from 72 votes
If you are looking for the Best slow cooker beef stew, look no further! This recipe is thick and hearty and made from scratch with plenty of fresh vegetables.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
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- 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 – You can use yukon gold or russets if desired.
  • 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.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

How to store: 
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.
Can I skip using flour?
Yes, though you’ll want to mix three tablespoons of cornstarch and three tablespoons of water and add that to the broth mixture at the beginning of the cooking time. Still season your beef and brown it before adding to the slow cooker.
Must I sear the meat?
You can forgo browning the meat, though it adds more flavor to the stew if you do. If you don’t sear your meat, you’ll want to skip using flour, the flour will clump if added straight to the slow cooker. Instead, thicken the stew instead use cornstarch and cold water (mix three tablespoons of each well before adding). Add at the beginning of the cooking time.
Can I add wine?
Yes, though you’ll only want to add a 1/2 cup. Wine can be robust in slow cooker recipes. I suggest a red blend, merlot, or pinot noir.
Variations
  • Sweet Potato Stew – Substitute sweet potatoes for a healthier and vitamin-packed stew for the red potatoes.
  • Onion Soup Mix – Instead of adding salt to this recipe, add a packet of onion soup mix; this will add significant onion flavor to your stew.
  • No potato stew – Out of potatoes? Don’t fret. Make this stew as directed, but without the potatoes. Instead, serve over steamed rice or egg noodles.

Nutrition Information:

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

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More soups and stew for your crockpot

  • Slow Cooker A.1. Beef Stew
  • Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Beef Stew
  • Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
  • Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
  • Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
  • Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

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    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner, Soups

    Comments

    1. Brandi Roberts says

      March 6, 2022 at 9:37 am

      I accidentally added the peas at the beginning of the cooking time!! Did I ruin it??

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 6, 2022 at 9:42 am

        No! It will be fine. You may want to add more fresh peas at the end.

        Reply
        • Brandi Roberts says

          March 6, 2022 at 10:33 am

          Ok awesome thank you! LOL I only have frozen peas, should I still add a few of those at the end and let it cook for 15 more minutes like it says in the recipe?

        • Sarah Olson says

          March 6, 2022 at 11:35 am

          Yes! That’s what I would do. 🙂

    2. Sharon Maxwell says

      February 7, 2022 at 6:38 am

      5 stars
      Easy recipe to make. I chose this one because my husband is on a low salt diet and I just omit the salt from the recipe. I do tweak it a little with some different spices to our taste. It’s cool in Florida today so its perfect to have for dinner. It will warm us right up!.

      Reply
    3. daryl says

      January 25, 2022 at 6:10 pm

      5 stars
      I made this turned out great, i did have to add beef bouillon and more salt for flavor.
      **Question to anyone, can I use this recipe for say turkey stew?
      Substitute the beef for real shredded turkey, and substitute beef broth with chicken broth…??
      Would still use same spices? and tomato paste?

      Reply
    4. Chad says

      December 18, 2021 at 12:32 pm

      If I were to add celery and mushroom to the recipe, when would be the best time?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 18, 2021 at 11:23 pm

        At the beginning.

        Reply
        • Jackie Mercado says

          December 28, 2021 at 3:45 pm

          Can you add canned peas instead of frozen peas to slow cooker beef stew?

        • Sarah Olson says

          December 29, 2021 at 11:52 am

          Yes, I would still add them at the end of the cooking time.

    5. Jon Gates says

      November 21, 2021 at 12:09 am

      i have a 4.5 qt crockpot can i use this recipe in it or do i reduce stuff down

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 21, 2021 at 11:04 am

        I think it would be a very tight fit.

        Reply
        • Anonymous says

          November 21, 2021 at 3:18 pm

          copy ill reduce the portion and send pic Thx

        • Sarah Olson says

          November 21, 2021 at 3:55 pm

          Ok great, let me know!

    6. Tee Why says

      November 12, 2021 at 8:54 am

      Thinking about making this on Sunday. My question is can i add frozen corn, and to this recipe?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 12, 2021 at 9:17 am

        Yes, you can! You can add it at the beginning or end.

        Reply
        • Tee Why says

          November 13, 2021 at 8:30 am

          Thank you. I will tell you how it comes out.

    7. Shay says

      October 24, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      Can I use a yellow onion or a sweet yellow onion instead of a white onion?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 24, 2021 at 6:36 pm

        Yes, you can either.

        Reply
    8. Laura L Stevermer says

      October 14, 2021 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      This looks amazing! Just wondering if using white potatoes instead of red, would be alright, or if it would change the consistency too much?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 14, 2021 at 4:29 pm

        No, it will work fine. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Lisa Wimberly says

      October 10, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      I can’t eat flour, can I substitute cornstarch? If so, do you know how much to use? And would I use it the same way as the flour, or add it at the end of the cooking cycle to thicken?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        October 11, 2021 at 8:36 am

        If I’m using cornstarch for this I would mix 3 tablespoons of cold water with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add at the end of the cooking time. Let it cook for 10 more minutes to thicken.

        Reply
        • Lisa Wimberly says

          October 11, 2021 at 1:41 pm

          Thanks Sarah! I’m going to make it this weekend….can’t wait for my family to try this.

      • Teresa Abney says

        October 29, 2021 at 10:49 am

        4 stars
        I use potato flakes to thicken stew, just sprinkle about 3/4 cup on top of stew and stir well it thickens up nicely and you can use different flavors in other soups or stews, the bacon and cheese instant potatoes are perfect for broccoli soup.

        Reply
    10. Sue says

      August 9, 2021 at 7:51 am

      5 stars
      I’m pretty challenged when it comes to cooking and that’s why I love your recipes. I’ve never heard of “deglazing a pan”. I looked it up and am I glad I did!!! It’s getting ALL the flavors. Now I’m really excited to try this recipe. Thanks for teaching!

      Reply
    11. Kay says

      January 30, 2021 at 9:32 am

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

      Reply
    12. 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
    13. 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!

        • Sarah Olson says

          January 12, 2021 at 8:48 am

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

    14. 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
    15. Robyn says

      December 26, 2020 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      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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