Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef Stew with Chuck Roast and Potatoes
If you’re looking for a cozy slow cooker beef stew that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this 5-ingredient crockpot beef stew is a timeless favorite. Inspired by classic old-world stews like Irish beef stew and French-style braised beef, this recipe transforms an affordable beef chuck roast into fork-tender perfection using low, slow heat.
Perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or stress-free entertaining, this hearty stew cooks itself while you’re at work no babysitting the stove required. With simple pantry staples and a foolproof method, it’s a comfort food dinner guests never get tired of.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew:
Only 5 ingredients simple, budget-friendly, and pantry-ready
Tender, fall-apart chuck roast thanks to slow cooking
Hands-off crockpot recipe for busy days
Rich, creamy broth without complicated steps
Perfect for meal prep tastes even better the next day
Ingredients:
2½–3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch cubes
2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), scrubbed and chunked
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
Directions:
Trim excess hard fat from the chuck roast and cut into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking. Scrub the potatoes and cut into chunks, leaving the skins on to help them hold their shape. Roughly chop the onion.
Place the potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of a 5–7 quart slow cooker. Scatter the onions over the potatoes. This helps the vegetables cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Arrange the beef chuck roast cubes over the potato and onion layer. As the beef cooks, its juices will flavor the vegetables below.
Whisk together the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup until mostly smooth. Pour evenly over the beef and vegetables.
Cover and cook:
LOW: 8–9 hours
HIGH: 4–5 hours
Cook until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the potatoes are fork-soft but intact.
Gently stir. If the stew is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for 20–30 minutes to thicken. If too thick, add a splash of warm broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty crockpot beef stew is satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
Crusty bread or baguette for soaking up the broth
Buttered egg noodles for an old-fashioned comfort meal
Steamed green beans or peas for balance
Rice or barley for a make-ahead dinner option
Tips & Variations:
Add dried thyme or a bay leaf for classic stew flavor
Stir in carrots or peas during the last 30 minutes
Brown the beef first for deeper, richer flavor
Stir in a splash of cream or sour cream at the end for extra richness
Freezes well for up to 3 months
