Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots is the kind of hearty, soul-warming dish that brings comfort with every bite. It’s a timeless classic made with chunks of tender beef, slow-simmered vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that thickens beautifully as it cooks. This stew is ideal for chilly evenings, busy weekdays, or whenever you crave something nourishing and deeply satisfying.

What makes this dish truly special is the magic of slow cooking. As the hours pass, the flavors blend harmoniously, the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the vegetables turn perfectly soft without falling apart. It’s a recipe that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and your table with wholesome goodness.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this beef stew because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker handles most of the work, making it perfect for days when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of beef, potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting, balanced dish that feels wholesome and homemade.

Another reason I admire this recipe is its reliability. It always yields tender beef and a rich, savory broth, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs, making it a timeless recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it provides all the qualities of a perfect comfort meal: hearty vegetables, tender beef, and a deeply flavorful sauce that coats each ingredient. It’s warm, filling, nutritious, and wonderfully satisfying. The ease of preparation makes it great for beginners, while its rich flavors make it appealing to experienced cooks as well.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is also incredibly versatile. Whether for family dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, this recipe always shines. It’s economical, easy to make in large batches, and tastes even better the next day.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high
Total Time: Up to 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 420 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced

For the Broth:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   Toss beef chunks in flour, salt, and pepper until coated.
2. Sear the Beef:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Vegetables:
   Add carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, and celery into the slow cooker.
4. Add the Liquid:
   In a bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika (if using), and bay leaves. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
5. Cook the Stew:
   Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
6. Finish the Dish:
   Remove the bay leaves. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cut and season the beef with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Brown the meat in a hot skillet with oil for deeper flavor.
3. Prepare the vegetables by peeling and chopping them evenly.
4. Layer the vegetables in the slow cooker, followed by the browned beef.
5. Mix the broth mixture with tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings.
6. Pour the liquid over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
7. Cook low and slow until everything is tender and flavorful.
8. Adjust thickness using a cornstarch slurry if desired.

How to Serve

Serve the beef stew hot in deep bowls with fresh crusty bread, buttered rolls, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. This stew also pairs nicely with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• Browning the beef adds rich flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
• Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• For a deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine to the broth mixture.
• Add frozen peas in the last 15 minutes for added color and sweetness.
• Don’t lift the lid while cooking—heat loss can extend cook time.

Variations

Hearty Winter Stew:
Add turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for a richer cold-weather version.

Tomato-Based Stew:
Add a can of diced tomatoes for a more acidic and tangy broth.

Guinness Beef Stew:
Replace 1 cup of broth with Guinness beer for a bold, deep flavor.

Herb Lovers Version:
Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for a more aromatic stew.

Spicy Stew:
Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder for heat.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot throughout. Add a splash of broth if the stew thickened too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish that brings the best of slow cooking to your table. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this stew is perfect for any time you crave a nourishing and satisfying meal. Whether you're cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a delicious and timeless addition to your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting flavors and ease of preparation that make this stew an all-time favorite.