Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe: Comfort Food Made Easy

Photo byAngie Bright

When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms you up like a hearty bowl of beef stew. Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables simmering in a savory broth. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a hot, satisfying meal. With minimal prep time and the magic of a slow cooker, you can create a delicious, filling dish that the whole family will love.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

The beauty of this beef stew recipe lies in its simplicity. By browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, you seal in its rich flavor, giving the stew a depth that’s hard to beat. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the carrots, potatoes, and celery soak up the robust flavors of the broth. Plus, the low and slow cooking method means that the herbs and spices—like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves—have time to infuse the entire stew, creating a comforting aroma that fills your home.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to lock in the beef’s flavor, making the stew even richer. Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker.
2. Add the Veggies:
   Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. These classic stew vegetables will become tender and flavorful as they cook.
3. Build the Broth:
   Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves for a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the beef. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
4. Set and Forget:
   Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the stew on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The longer cook time on low ensures that the beef becomes ultra-tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Thicken if Desired:
   If you like a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, stir 1 tablespoon of flour into the stew. This will help to thicken the broth slightly, creating a rich, hearty texture.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls and enjoy with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Why This Stew is a Winner

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is all about delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. The tender chunks of beef, paired with perfectly cooked veggies and a savory broth, make for a filling and satisfying meal. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want to cozy up with a warm, comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or saving leftovers for the next day, this stew is sure to become a go-to recipe in your home.

For more comfort food recipes and inspiration, visit Moose Pattie’s Facebook page.