Slow Cooker Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Some recipes never go out of style, and this slow cooker old-fashioned beef stew is a perfect example. Inspired by the comforting Sunday dinners many families remember, this hearty homemade stew brings together tender beef, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, rich beef broth, and savory onion soup mix.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this easy crockpot beef stew slowly cooks into a warm, satisfying meal that tastes like traditional home cooking. Simply add everything to your slow cooker, let it simmer throughout the day, and come back to a delicious dinner ready to serve.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family meal, planning an easy weeknight dinner, or looking for a budget-friendly comfort food recipe, this classic slow cooker stew deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled if desired and cut into chunks
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick pieces
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
Instructions
- Place the beef stew meat in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Browning the meat beforehand is optional.
- Add the potatoes and carrots on top of the beef.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the ingredients, then pour in the beef broth.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Stir gently before serving and ladle the hot stew into bowls.
Serve with crusty bread, homemade biscuits, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a comforting, satisfying dinner.
Benefits of This Easy Crockpot Beef Stew
1. Easy meal preparation: This simple slow cooker beef stew requires very little hands-on cooking, making it ideal for busy weekdays and relaxed weekends.
2. Budget-friendly family dinner: Affordable ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, and stew beef create a filling meal that can feed the whole family.
3. Hearty and satisfying: Beef provides protein, while potatoes supply carbohydrates for energy. Carrots add fiber and valuable nutrients to this comforting dish.
4. Tender, flavorful beef: Slow cooking allows tougher cuts of beef to become tender over time while the broth and onion soup mix develop a rich, savory flavor.
5. Convenient make-ahead meal: Prepare the ingredients in advance and refrigerate them separately or in a covered, refrigerator-safe container until you’re ready to cook. Transfer everything to the slow cooker in the morning.
6. Easy to customize: Add frozen peas during the final 15 minutes of cooking, or mash a few cooked potato chunks into the broth for a thicker consistency.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For the most tender beef: Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours and check that the meat is fork-tender before serving.
- For thicker gravy: Mash some of the cooked potatoes into the broth. For an even thicker stew, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in near the end of cooking.
- For evenly cooked vegetables: Cut the potatoes and carrots into similarly sized pieces.
- For extra vegetables: Stir in frozen peas near the end of the cooking time.
- For safe storage: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in airtight containers and use within 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make beef stew without browning the meat?
Yes. You can place the beef directly into the slow cooker. Browning is optional, although it adds extra depth of flavor.
Can I use frozen beef?
For food safety, thaw beef completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker.
How do I make the broth thicker?
Mash some of the potatoes into the liquid or add a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
What should I serve with old-fashioned beef stew?
Crusty bread, dinner rolls, biscuits, cornbread, steamed green beans, or a simple green salad are all excellent choices.
