Slow Cooker Beef Pho-Style Stew
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Pho-Style Stew
This slow cooker beef pho-style stew delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional Vietnamese pho without the long simmering time or hard-to-find ingredients. Instead of babysitting a pot on the stove, the crockpot does all the work, slowly transforming tender beef, aromatic spices, and rich broth into a hearty, soul-warming meal your whole family will crave.
Unlike classic pho, this version is slightly thicker and heartier, making it ideal for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or relaxed weekend dinners. It’s kid-friendly, customizable, and made with simple grocery-store staples no specialty market required. Plus, your home will smell incredible while it cooks.
Serve it over rice noodles or jasmine rice, set out fresh toppings, and let everyone build their perfect bowl. It’s comfort food with a flavorful twist that feels both cozy and special.
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (LOW) or 4–5 hours (HIGH)
Cuisine: Vietnamese-Inspired Comfort Food
Ingredients:
1½–2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch cubes
1 medium yellow onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
2 whole star anise
4 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole black peppercorns (optional)
6 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)
1 tbsp fish sauce (optional but traditional)
1–2 tbsp brown sugar or honey (to taste)
1 large carrot, sliced
1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini, optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving
8 oz rice noodles, cooked
Bean sprouts
Lime wedges
Fresh cilantro
Sliced green onions
Jalapeño slices (optional)
Hoisin sauce & sriracha (optional)
Instructions:
Place onion, garlic, and ginger in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Lightly toast star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and peppercorns until fragrant. Add to the slow cooker.
Place beef cubes directly into the slow cooker (searing is optional for deeper flavor).
Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar or honey. Add carrots and mushrooms.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Taste and balance with salt, soy sauce, or a splash of water if needed.
Cook rice noodles separately according to package instructions.
Add noodles to bowls, ladle stew over the top, and finish with your favorite toppings.
Helpful Tips & Easy Variations:
Kid-friendly version: Skip fish sauce and jalapeños for a milder broth.
Extra veggies: Add spinach or bok choy during the last 10 minutes.
Lean option: Use stew meat or thinly sliced flank steak (add late to avoid overcooking).
Meal prep win: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully (without noodles).
Comfort twist: Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier Midwestern-style meal.
Health & Convenience Benefits:
High-protein, nourishing comfort food
Hands-off slow cooker recipe
Budget-friendly beef cut
Customizable for picky eaters
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
