Slow Cooker Beef Stew (Hearty, Tender Crockpot Beef Stew)

Slow cooker beef stew is a comforting one-pot meal filled with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, flavorful broth. Slowly cooked with garlic, tomato paste, herbs, and spices, this hearty crockpot beef stew makes a satisfying dinner for the whole family.
The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the beef and vegetables to cook together for hours. Browning the beef first adds another layer of flavor, while beef broth, vegetable juice, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and mustard seeds create a savory base. A simple flour slurry thickens the broth near the end, and frozen peas add a final touch of color.
With just 15 minutes of prep time and a long, gentle cooking period, this slow cooker beef stew is a practical choice for busy days when you want a warm, filling meal ready for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Tender, flavorful beef: Beef chuck roast is cut into cubes and browned before slow cooking.
• A hearty mix of vegetables: Baby potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, and peas make every bowl satisfying.
• Rich, savory broth: Beef broth, vegetable juice, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings build layers of flavor.
• Convenient slow cooker method: After the initial preparation, the stew cooks on low for 7–8 hours.
• A thicker stew finish: A flour-and-broth slurry is stirred in near the end to thicken the liquid.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ingredients

Each ingredient has a role in creating the stew’s hearty texture and savory flavor.

Beef and Vegetables

• Beef chuck roast: Two pounds of chuck roast, cut into 1- to 1½-inch cubes, provides the main protein.
• Baby new potatoes: Halved potatoes add substance and absorb some of the stew’s flavorful broth.
• Carrots: Four medium carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces, add color and a naturally sweet flavor.
• Sweet onion and garlic: These aromatics contribute depth to the broth.
• Frozen peas: Added during the final five minutes of cooking for a pop of color.
• Fresh parsley: Used as an optional garnish before serving.

Broth, Herbs, and Seasonings

• Beef broth and vegetable juice: Form the stew’s liquid base.
• Tomato paste: Adds concentrated savory flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a tangy, savory note.
• Thyme, oregano, and bay leaves: Bring herbal flavor to the slow-cooked broth.
• Smoked paprika and mustard seeds: Add extra depth and seasoning.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season the beef and stew.

For Browning and Thickening

• Olive oil: Used to brown the beef in a skillet before it goes into the slow cooker.
• All-purpose flour: Whisked with ½ cup of stew broth to make a slurry that thickens the finished stew.

Helpful Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Stew

Brown the beef before slow cooking. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and brown the seasoned beef for about 2–3 minutes, until evenly browned. This initial step adds flavor before the beef goes into the slow cooker.
Cut the vegetables evenly. Follow the specified sizes for the halved baby potatoes and ½-inch carrot pieces to keep preparation consistent.
Whisk the broth mixture thoroughly. Combine the beef broth, vegetable juice, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and mustard seeds before pouring it over the meat and vegetables.
Add the thickener near the end. Whisk the flour with ½ cup of stew broth until smooth, then slowly stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the stew thickens.
Add peas last. Stir the thawed peas into the stew during the final five minutes, as directed in the recipe.
Remove the whole herbs before serving. Discard the bay leaves and fresh thyme sprig before ladling the stew into bowls.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker

Lightly spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown the beef

Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into 1- to 1½-inch cubes, with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the beef to the skillet and cook until evenly browned, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the beef and vegetables

Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add 1 pound halved baby new potatoes, 4 peeled and chopped medium carrots, 1 diced large sweet onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves.

Step 4: Prepare the broth

In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 cup vegetable juice, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 sprig fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon mustard seeds. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.

Step 5: Slow cook

Add 2 bay leaves and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours.

Step 6: Thicken the stew

In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour with ½ cup of stew broth to make a slurry. Slowly stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until thickened.

Step 7: Add the peas

During the final five minutes, stir in ½ cup thawed frozen peas.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprig. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this slow cooker beef stew in deep bowls while warm. The beef, potatoes, carrots, and thickened broth make it a substantial meal on its own.
For a more filling dinner, serve it with crusty bread to enjoy alongside the broth. You can also pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables if you want additional vegetables at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip browning the beef?

The supplied recipe includes browning the beef in olive oil for about 2–3 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. For the closest match to the original recipe, follow this step.

How long does beef stew cook in a slow cooker?

This recipe cooks on low for 7–8 hours, followed by another 30 minutes on high after the flour slurry is added to thicken the broth.

How do I thicken slow cooker beef stew?

Whisk 3 tablespoons flour with ½ cup of stew broth to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the broth thickens.

When should I add the peas?

Add ½ cup thawed frozen peas during the final five minutes of cooking.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?

Yes. The supplied recipe specifies either 1 sprig fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme.

A Cozy Slow Cooker Dinner

This slow cooker beef stew combines browned beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory herb-seasoned broth in one comforting meal. With a simple thickening step at the end, it makes a satisfying dinner for a family meal or a chilly evening. Save this crockpot beef stew recipe for a day when you want a hearty dinner with minimal hands-on cooking.

Print