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Slow Cooker Beef Stew 2025 12 12 142359 150x150 1

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A comforting and hearty beef stew cooked in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef and Vegetables
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces Choose well-marbled beef for tenderness.
  • 4 pieces carrots, chopped Freshly washed and peeled if desired.
  • 4 pieces potatoes, diced Russet potatoes work best for flavor and texture.
  • 1 piece onion, chopped A yellow or sweet onion will add great sweetness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is key for maximum flavor.
Liquids and Seasonings
  • 4 cups beef broth Homemade broth adds richness.
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste Helps create depth in flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Fresh thyme can also be used for a brighter flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste based on broth's sodium content.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground for the best flavor.
  • 1 piece bay leaf Adds aromatic depth.
Cooking Fat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the beef.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Brown the beef chunks on all sides until they glisten with a perfect, golden crust.
  3. Transfer the browned beef into a slow cooker.
  4. Add the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, onion, and minced garlic.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, and follow with the tomato paste, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
  6. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and juicy.
  2. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking. Fresh ingredients bring the stew to life.