Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Hangry Hanna

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Slow cooker beef stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. You can make this hearty meal with minimal effort. Just toss beef chunks, veggies, and seasoning into your crockpot and let it work its magic.

Your kitchen will smell amazing as the beef stew simmers all day. When it’s done, you’ll have tender meat and flavorful veggies in a rich gravy. It’s a great way to feed your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Making a tasty slow cooker beef stew is easy with the right ingredients. You can also swap out some items if needed.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic beef stew:

2 lbs chuck roast, cut into chunks
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 potatoes, cubed
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup frozen peas

Mix the flour and spices in your slow cooker. Toss the beef in this mix. Add the broth and veggies. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Possible Substitutes

Don’t worry if you’re missing some items. Try these swaps:

Use stew meat instead of chuck roast
Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips
Replace peas with green beans or corn
Use chicken broth if you’re out of beef broth
No tomato paste? Use ketchup or tomato sauce

Instructions

Start by trimming the chuck roast and cutting it into large chunks. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes.

Mix flour, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in your slow cooker. Add the beef and toss to coat it evenly.

Pour in beef broth and add the chopped vegetables. Stir in some tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meat should be tender enough to cut with a spoon when done.

About 30 minutes before serving, make a slurry by mixing flour with a little stew broth. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the stew.

If you like, add some frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and freshness.

Give everything a good stir before serving. Your hearty, comforting beef stew is now ready to enjoy!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker gives your stew extra flavor. Make sure to pat the meat dry first for better browning.

Cut veggies into large, even chunks. This helps them cook at the same rate and keeps them from getting mushy.

For thicker gravy, mix a little flour with cold water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.

Don’t peek! Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and can add 20-30 minutes to your cooking time.