Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Slow-cooking enhances the flavors, making each bite incredibly delicious and satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for the perfect cozy dinner. Save this recipe for a warm and hearty meal everyone will love!
Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 ½ lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp smoked paprika for a deep, smoky flavor
2 medium yellow onions, diced
1 fennel bulb, diced (adds a subtle sweetness)
4 carrots, peeled & cut into ¼-inch cubes
1 lb baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups beef broth (rich & flavorful!)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for extra umami
2 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth)
2 bay leaves for a hint of herbal aroma
1 ½ tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor:
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add half of the beef cubes, season with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and sear until golden brown (3-4 minutes).
Transfer to your slow cooker and repeat with the remaining beef.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Reduce heat to medium-low, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and sauté onion and fennel until soft (4-5 minutes).
Transfer to the slow cooker.
Slow Cook to Perfection:
Stir in the carrots, potatoes, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaves.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
Thicken the Stew:
Mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry.
Once done, add the slurry, stir, and cook on HIGH for 20 minutes until thickened.
Garnish & Serve:
Remove bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips & Variations:
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a labeled, freezer-safe container for up to 4 months.
Reheating: Microwave in a safe bowl for 1-2 minutes or reheat on the stovetop.
Protein Swap: Substitute beef with chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter version.
Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, bell peppers, green beans, or cauliflower for a nutrient boost!
Perfect for Meal Prep & Busy Weeknights!
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is comfort food at its finest rich, hearty, and effortlessly delicious! Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
BeefStew, SlowCookerMeals, EasyDinner, ComfortFood, OnePotMeal, CrockpotRecipes, HeartyMeals, WinterWarmers, DeliciousDinners, MealPrepIdeas
