For a comfort classic that’s chock full of hearty, wholesome flavor, try this slow cooker beef stew recipe.
Stew beef is simmered in a crockpot with potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas in a rich broth for a thoroughly satisfying one pot meal.
Savory beef stew in the crockpot is the perfect dish to warm up the whole family on chilly days.
![Give this easy slow cooker beef stew recipe a try! It's a comforting meal made with chunks of beef slow simmered in a richly seasoned broth with potatoes and vegetables. Or add some tomato juice for more flavor! This easy set-and-forget crockpot dinner is the best for busy weeknights and delicious served with homemade bread, biscuits or dumplings, to soak up the rich gravy. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot a bowl of slow cooker beef stew](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife-6.jpg)
Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Affordable and flavorful! Made with economical cuts, this beef stew slow cooker recipe is perfect for families on a budget.
- Make it ahead and freeze. Beef stew in the Crockpot will store for months in the freezer for a future meal.
- Serve it straight from the slow cooker for casual buffet-style dining.
- Beef stew in the Crockpot recipe tastes sensational with wedges of crusty soda bread or slices of fluffy garlic bread.
![For an easy weekday meal, make this slow cooker beef stew recipe! It's bursting with rich beefy flavor and nutritious ingredients. Just let the stew meat simmer slowly in a deliciously seasoned broth with veggies and potatoes. Or add some tomato juice for more flavor. Pair this scrumptious stew with homemade bread, biscuits, or dumplings, for a delightful feast. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot A bowl of slow cooker beef stew](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife-3.jpg)
Ingredients and Variations
Beef – Because this crockpot beef stew recipe is slow cooked, a tough cut of beef is the optimal choice, since they tend to have more flavor. Shoulder, flank steak, or brisket will deliver lots of flavor and will get fork tender in the slow cooker. Packages of stew beef are pre-cut and convenient. Other meats such as lamb or pork could be substituted in place of the beef as well, without having to change any of the other ingredients.
Potatoes – Use red, or yellow potatoes, with or without the peel. They are creamy, thin skinned, and hold up well to slow cooking. Use whole baby potatoes, or cut them into uniform chunks. For quick prepping, use canned potatoes.
Vegetables – Opt for fresh carrots and frozen peas. Peel and cut carrots into uniform chunks or rounds. Choose frozen baby peas. They are sweet and complement the savory richness of the gravy. Aromatic onions and celery will soften and practically disintegrate after hours in the crock pot, while adding layers of flavor to the broth.
Pickle Juice – Use briny and tangy dill pickle juice to brighten up the broth. Switch it out for Worcestershire, red wine vinegar, or the juice from canned tomatoes. Or, take a cue from this zesty Mississippi pot roast and substitute pepperoncini juice!
Broth – For the best beefy flavor, use beef broth from a carton, along a boost of flavor from beef base. Bouillon cubes can be substituted in a pinch. Add extra savor to the broth with coconut aminos or gravy mix if you wish.
Variations – Add sautéed mushrooms to boost the earthy, savory flavor of this slow cooker beef stew recipe. Other vegetables can be tossed in for variety, such as corn, turnips, parsnips, tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers. Amplify the flavor even more with this homemade steak seasoning blend.
![Enjoy every bite of this slow cooker beef stew recipe! It's a comforting meal packed with beefy flavor and nutritious ingredients. Allow the beef to simmer gently in a richly seasoned broth with hearty potatoes and veggies, or add some tomato juice for more flavor. This simple crockpot dinner is sure to please the whole family. Delicious served with homemade bread or biscuits for the ultimate cozy meal. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot A slow cooker of beef stew](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife-8.jpg)
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Toss the chunks of stew beef in flour to lightly coat, brown in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker, as directed in the recipe below.
- Add onions to the skillet, and fry for two minutes, then add to the slow cooker.
- Place the rest of the ingredients into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Just before serving, mix up a slurry and add to the cooker to thicken the broth along with the peas, and cook for 5 minutes to thicken.
Serve hot with slices of crusty no-knead bread to mop up the sauce.
![For the best comfort meal look no further than this slow cooker beef stew recipe! It's chock full of hearty beef and wholesome ingredients. The beef simmers gently in a flavorful broth with potatoes and vegetables. This fuss-free crockpot dinner is a crowd pleaser every time. Don't forget to serve it with some homemade bread or biscuits to enjoy every last drop. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot Slow Cooker Beef Stew in a bowl](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
Best Suggestions for Beef Stew
For the most affordable option, look for packaged stew meat, which usually contains a combination of trimmings from different cuts of beef, and are very economical. Chuck roast, or shoulder cuts are flavorful and stand up well to low and slow cooking.
Thicken the broth with a slurry made with corn starch for a clearer gravy or flour, which produces a more opaque sauce. For even more richness, finish the gravy with a bit of heavy cream, or swirl in some butter.
Cook the peas just before serving so they retain their color and flavor.
Leftovers can be stored 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat from frozen in the slow cooker, microwave, or stove top with extra beef broth.
![Make the best dinner with this slow cooker beef stew recipe! It's a satisfying dish packed with savory taste and nourishing ingredients. Chunks of beef, potatoes and veggies are simmered in a flavorful beef and pickle juice broth. Or add some tomato juice for even more flavor. This hearty crockpot dinner is easy to make and enjoyed with homemade bread, biscuits, or dumplings, to mop up the delicious gravy. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot A bowl of slow cooker beef stew with a spoon in it](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife-5.jpg)
More Slow Cooked Beef Recipes!
Have you tried this Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
![close up of top view of Beef Stew](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife-5-300x300.jpg)
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds stewing beef , cut into bite sized pieces
- ¼ -½ cup flour , to coat beef
- 4 Tablespoons oil
- 1 onion , cut in slices
- 3 potatoes , diced
- 3-4 carrot , sliced
- 3 ribs celery , chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pickle juice , or tomato juice or additional beef broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder *
- 2 teaspoons onion powder *
- 2 teaspoons beef base , or beef bouillon*, optional
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 2 cups peas , frozen, (thawed**) or fresh
Instructions
- Toss stewing beef with flour to coat. Shake excess.
- Heat a skillet to medium high heat and add 1 Tablespoon of oil. Add ¼ of the beef and brown for about 2 minutes, then stir or flip and brown for 2 more minutes. Add to bottom of the slow cooker, and repeat with the remaining beef in 3 more batches.
- Add onion to skillet, and fry for about 2 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Add to slow cooker.
- To the slow cooker, add potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, pickle juice, garlic powder*, onion powder*, beef base*, and pepper. Make sure all ingredients are covered. If not, arrange to cover or add additional broth if needed.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-5 hours.
- Mix together cornstarch and water. Add cornstarch slurry and peas to the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Serve with bread or dumplings
Notes
- *Replace garlic powder, onion powder, and beef base with a packet of beef stew seasoning if desired
- Try adding the beef base in addition to the seasonings for a lovely flavor.
- **To thaw peas, run under warm water.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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![Make this amazingly easy slow cooker beef stew recipe for a comforting meal full of rich beefy flavor and wholesome goodness. Chunks of beef are slow simmered in a richly seasoned broth with potatoes and vegetables. Warm up the whole family with the best set-and-forget crockpot dinner. Savor this slow cooked stew with homemade bread, biscuits or even dumplings to soak up the gravy. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot a slow cooker of beef stew with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SP-Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife.jpg)
![Get ready for a delicious dinner with this slow cooker beef stew recipe! It's a cozy dish packed with savory taste and nourishing ingredients. Hearty beef chunks are simmered slowly in a flavorful broth with veggies and potatoes. This crockpot dinner is a breeze to make and perfect for feeding the family. Enjoy this hearty stew with some homemade bread, biscuits or dumplings, to mop up the delicious gravy. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot A bowl of slow cooker beef stew with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SP-Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife3.jpg)
![Indulge in this delicious slow cooker beef stew recipe tonight! It is an easy recipe with a blend of beefy flavors and nourishing veggies. Let the beef simmer gently in a rich broth along with potatoes and carrots. Treat your loved ones to an effortless crockpot dinner that's sure to warm their hearts. Serve this comforting stew alongside some homemade bread, biscuits, or with dumplings, for a complete meal. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot a bowl of slow cooker beef stew with a text](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NP-Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife2.jpg)
![The next time you’re craving something hearty try this slow cooker beef stew recipe! It's bursting with rich beefy flavor and nutritious ingredients. Let the beef simmer slowly in a deliciously seasoned broth with veggies and potatoes, or add some tomato juice for extra flavor. This easy crockpot meal is perfect for busy days. Pair this scrumptious stew with homemade bread or biscuits for a delightful feast. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot a bowl of slow cooker beef stew with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NP-Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife.jpg)
![For a comforting meal, make this slow cooker beef stew recipe! It's chock full of hearty beef and wholesome ingredients. Allow the beef to simmer gently in a flavorful broth alongside potatoes and vegetables, or add some tomato juice for extra flavor. This fuss-free crockpot dinner is a crowd pleaser every time. Don't forget to serve it with some homemade bread or biscuits to enjoy every last drop. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot Top image - a bowl of slow cooker beef stew. Bottom image - a slow cooker of beef stew with an title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP-Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife2.jpg)
![Prepare to be amazed by this slow cooker beef stew recipe! It's a delightful dish brimming with robust beefy flavors and wholesome goodness. Simply let the beef tenderize slowly in a seasoned broth with potatoes and veggies. This convenient crock pot dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve up this delectable stew with homemade bread, biscuits, or dumplings, for a truly satisfying meal. #slowcookerbeefstewrecipe #ourzestylife #crockpotbeefstewrecipe #beefstewinthecrockpot A bowl of slow cooker beef stew with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP-Slow-Cooker-Beef-Stew-OurZestyLife.jpg)
I tried this but must’ve done something wrong tasted like roast, potatoes and carrots to me. I did use bouillon cubes instead of what the powder that may have made the difference. It was still really good though.
I am glad you still enjoyed it, Stacie!
Hearty and yummy.