Slow Cooker Beef Brunswick Stew

This easy Slow Cooker Beef Brunswick Stew turns just five simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful comfort food dinner. Tender beef, smoky barbecue sauce, tomatoes, creamed corn, and lima beans slowly cook together for a thick and satisfying Southern-inspired beef stew that is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, game days, and cozy fall dinners.

With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, this 5-ingredient slow cooker recipe is an easy way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Stew

• Only 5 ingredients — simple, affordable, and convenient.
• Slow cooker friendly — most of the cooking happens hands-free.
• Tender shredded beef — slow cooking makes the meat rich and fork-tender.
• Hearty and filling — lima beans and creamed corn add satisfying texture.
• Great for meal prep — leftovers reheat beautifully.
• Perfect comfort food — ideal for fall dinners, family gatherings, and casual weekends.

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 9–11 hours

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
• 2 cups frozen lima beans

Directions

1. Place the beef chunks in a slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce and undrained diced tomatoes over the beef. Stir lightly to coat the meat.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
3. Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir the shredded beef into the sauce and tomato juices.
4. Add the creamed corn and frozen lima beans. Stir well, cover, and cook for 1 additional hour, until the beans are tender and the stew is hot and thick.
5. Ladle the beef Brunswick stew into bowls and serve warm with cornbread, crackers, or biscuits.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew

Use beef chuck roast: Chuck roast has enough marbling to stay tender and flavorful during long slow cooking.

Choose a smoky barbecue sauce: Since this recipe uses only five ingredients, the barbecue sauce has a major impact on the final flavor. A smoky, slightly tangy sauce works especially well.

Add the vegetables near the end: Adding the creamed corn and lima beans during the final hour helps maintain their texture and prevents the creamed corn from sticking around the edges.

Adjust the consistency: For a thinner stew, add a small splash of water or beef broth. For a thicker consistency, let the stew rest uncovered for several minutes before serving.

Make it ahead: This easy beef stew stores and reheats well. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat until hot throughout.

What to Serve With Beef Brunswick Stew

Serve this hearty Southern-style beef stew with:

• Homemade cornbread
• Warm buttermilk biscuits
• Saltine crackers
• Creamy coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Dill pickles
• Baked beans