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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Category: Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Gatherings Big and Small

This dish features chunks of beef coated with flour and browned for extra flavor before slowly simmering with potatoes, carrots, celery, and mushrooms in a savory tomato-based sauce with Italian herbs and bay leaves. The crockpot method allows all the vegetables to soften and meld with the hearty, beefy broth, while beef bouillon cubes and onion add depth. Just before serving, peas are stirred in for brightness. Classic deglazing in the pan ensures rich, savory pan juices become part of the stew. Ideal for feeding a crowd or comforting the family, this preparation delivers deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness every time.

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Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:27:09 GMT
A close up of a slow cooker beef stew. Pin
A close up of a slow cooker beef stew. | recipesvaleria.com

This warm slow cooker beef stew is everything you crave in a family dinner Hearty vegetables and fork tender beef simmer together in a rich sauce perfect for cozy evenings or easy Sunday meals

I first made this stew for a family ski trip when I wanted something everyone would love It disappeared within minutes and now it is my go to anytime I want dinner without fuss

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: creates a lightly crispy crust on the beef which helps thicken the stew For best results choose unbleached flour
  • Boneless beef chuck roast: cut into cubes gives you ultra tender and flavorful bites Ask your butcher to trim the excess fat
  • Vegetable oil: helps brown the meat evenly and adds a golden note Pick one with a neutral taste
  • Water: is used for the perfect consistency adjust more or less as needed
  • Beef bouillon cubes: build a deep savory base Look for low sodium if you wish to control salt
  • Condensed tomato soup: undiluted brings a rich slightly sweet balance Choose a classic brand
  • Italian seasoning: infuses herby notes such as basil and oregano For freshness use new seasoning blends
  • Bay leaves: impart earthy aroma and subtle layer of flavor
  • Black pepper: wakes up the whole stew with gentle heat Grind fresh for best results
  • Onions: slice them evenly for consistent sweetness Yellow onions are my favorite here
  • Russet potatoes: are starchy and hold their shape after long cooking Peel well for creamy texture
  • Carrots: offer natural sweetness and color Choose firm ones for best flavor
  • Celery: adds a burst of freshness Slice thick so they will not overcook
  • Whole mushrooms: bring a meaty texture and umami Make sure they are firm and not slimy
  • Frozen peas: stir in at the end for color and a pop of sweetness Make sure they are thawed before adding

Step by Step Instructions

Prep and Coat the Beef:
Cut beef into even cubes then add to a large zip top bag with flour Toss to coat until every piece is lightly covered This ensures a perfect sear and thickens the stew later
Brown the Beef:
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium high Heat until shimmering Add beef in batches so every piece touches the surface Brown all sides until deeply golden Transfer browned beef directly into the slow cooker
Deglaze and Build the Sauce:
Add water and bouillon cubes to the skillet Stir while scraping up all the flavorful brown bits from the pan Melt the bouillon cubes fully and turn off the heat Add tomato soup Italian seasoning bay leaves and black pepper Stir together then pour this sauce over the beef in the slow cooker
Add the Vegetables:
Layer onions potatoes carrots celery and mushrooms on top of the beef This helps the veggies cook evenly through the long low simmer
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook the stew on low for about eight hours Vegetables and beef should be melt in your mouth tender If the stew looks too thick or dry halfway through add more water as needed
Finish and Serve:
About thirty minutes before serving add thawed peas Remove bay leaves before serving for best flavor Enjoy a steaming bowl of stew with crusty bread or on its own
A close up of a delicious slow cooker beef stew. Pin
A close up of a delicious slow cooker beef stew. | lottirecipes.com

One of my favorite moments was watching my sister lean over a bowl on a snowy night after a long road trip The vegetables were so tender and she said it tasted like everything good about home

Storage Tips

This stew is a refrigerator hero Chill leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days For longer storage freeze portions up to three months Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or use a microwave with a cover to avoid splatters

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of beef chuck brisket works nicely Try Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier bite No Italian seasoning Mix your own blend of dried basil thyme and oregano For a gluten free version toss beef with cornstarch instead of flour

Serving Suggestions

Spoon this stew over mashed potatoes for extra comfort Add a side of buttered rolls or a crisp green salad Sometimes I swirl in a dollop of sour cream before serving which adds richness and tang

A Brief Look at Beef Stew Traditions

Beef stew is a beloved classic in American kitchens for good reason Each family has their own version adapting ingredients to what is on hand Slow cooking has been the heart of farmhouse meals for generations bringing everyone together at the table

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What cut of beef works best?

Beef chuck roast is ideal, as it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking. Cut into cubes for even cooking.

→ Should I brown the beef first?

Browning the beef in a skillet before slow cooking adds extra flavor and helps seal in moisture for juicier results.

→ Why add flour to the beef?

Coating beef with flour helps thicken the final gravy, giving the dish a rich, hearty consistency.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! While potatoes, carrots, celery, and mushrooms are classic, you can add parsnips or swap in other root veggies.

→ How do I enhance the sauce flavor?

Deglaze the skillet with water and bouillon to incorporate browned bits for extra depth, and add bay leaves and Italian seasoning for aroma.

→ When should I add peas?

Stir in peas during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking so they retain their vibrant color and tender texture.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Tender beef and veggies simmer together for a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for cozy evenings.

Preparation Time
10 mins
Cook Time
480 mins
Total Time
490 mins

Category: Family Meals

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American

Yield: 6 Servings (Makes approximately 6 hearty portions)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

→ Main Components

01 60 g all-purpose flour
02 1.1 kg boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2.5 cm cubes
03 30 ml vegetable oil
04 375-600 ml water
05 2 large beef bouillon cubes
06 305 g condensed tomato soup, undiluted
07 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
08 2 bay leaves
09 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 2 medium onions, sliced
11 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 4 cm pieces
12 3 medium carrots, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
13 2 celery stalks, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
14 225 g whole mushrooms, trimmed
15 110 g frozen peas, thawed

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Place flour into a large food-safe bag. Add beef cubes in small batches, shaking to coat evenly.

Step 02

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded. Transfer browned beef directly to slow cooker.

Step 03

Add 375 ml water and bouillon cubes to the same skillet. Stir to dissolve bouillon and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.

Step 04

Remove skillet from heat, then stir in tomato soup, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and pour over beef in slow cooker.

Step 05

Add onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the slow cooker. If mixture appears too dry, incrementally add more water up to 600 ml.

Step 06

Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours, or until beef and vegetables are tender.

Step 07

Stir in thawed peas during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. Discard bay leaves before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution when browning beef to maximize caramelization.
  2. Avoid pan overcrowding during searing to ensure proper browning of all beef surfaces.
  3. Deglaze with water and bouillon cubes, scraping all flavor-packed bits from the skillet.
  4. Reduce or omit additional salt until tasting, as bouillon cubes provide significant sodium.
  5. Mushrooms contribute an umami depth to the finished dish, enhancing its savoriness.
  6. Condensed tomato soup introduces subtle sweetness, counterbalancing savory elements.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Large food-safe plastic bag
  • Stirring spoon (preferably wooden)
  • Measuring jug
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) from all-purpose flour.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 556
  • Fats: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 42 g