Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

📝 Description

Warm, hearty, and packed with homemade flavor, this Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is the ultimate comfort-food dinner! Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly in a rich, savory gravy alongside soft potatoes, sweet carrots, onions, garlic, and fragrant herbs. Every spoonful delivers delicious, slow-cooked flavor that tastes like a traditional homemade meal.

This easy crockpot recipe requires just a little preparation before the slow cooker takes over. As the beef cooks low and slow, it becomes fork-tender, while the vegetables absorb the delicious broth. The result is a thick, comforting stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday dinners, or feeding the whole family.

Serve this delicious beef stew with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or homemade biscuits to soak up every drop of the flavorful gravy!

🛒 Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes

1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices

1 large yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons cornstarch, optional

2 tablespoons cold water, optional

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Cut the beef chuck into evenly sized cubes and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

This step is optional, but browning adds extra depth and richness to the stew.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the potatoes, carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the browned beef over the vegetables.

Step 4: Make the Stew Broth

In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme and rosemary, then stir until combined.

Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables. Add the bay leaves and gently stir to distribute the ingredients.

Step 5: Slow-Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft but still hold their shape.

Cooking times vary depending on the slow cooker and the size of the beef pieces. The beef should become tender before serving.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth.

Stir the slurry into the stew during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until the broth thickens. Alternatively, transfer some broth to a saucepan, whisk in the slurry, and simmer until thickened before returning it to the slow cooker.

Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or warm dinner rolls.

Enjoy the tender beef, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and rich homemade gravy in every comforting bite!

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8–9 hours on LOW

Additional Time: 20–30 minutes if thickening

Total Time: Approximately 8½–9½ hours

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

Flavor Profile: Savory, rich, hearty, and herby

💡 Helpful Tips

Choose beef chuck: This cut becomes wonderfully tender during long cooking and gives the stew a rich flavor.

Cut vegetables into large pieces: Thick carrot slices and evenly sized potato pieces are less likely to become mushy.

Brown for extra flavor: Searing the beef creates a delicious browned exterior that adds depth to the broth.

Avoid too much liquid: The vegetables and beef release moisture while cooking. The broth does not need to cover every ingredient completely.

Adjust the thickness: For a thinner stew, skip the cornstarch. For a thicker gravy, add the slurry gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Add extra vegetables: Mushrooms, celery, peas, or green beans are excellent additions. Add delicate vegetables such as peas near the end of cooking.

Make it ahead: The stew can be prepared in advance and reheated gently. The flavors often taste even better the following day.

Store leftovers safely: Refrigerate in shallow, airtight containers within two hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat to 165°F (74°C).

❓ Questions & Answers

Q: What is the best beef for slow-cooker stew?

A: Beef chuck is an excellent choice because its connective tissue softens during slow cooking, producing tender, flavorful pieces of meat.

Q: Can I put raw beef directly into the slow cooker?

A: Yes. Browning is optional, so you can add seasoned raw beef directly to the slow cooker. Searing beforehand simply adds more flavor.

Q: Why is my beef stew meat tough?

A: The beef may need more cooking time. Continue cooking until the meat becomes fork-tender rather than judging doneness by time alone.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

A: Yes, but sweet potatoes soften more quickly and have a sweeter flavor. Cut them into large pieces and consider adding them later in the cooking process.

Q: How can I make the stew gluten-free?

A: Use certified gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and thicken the stew with cornstarch instead of wheat flour. Check all product labels.

Q: Can I make this recipe without tomato paste?

A: Yes. You can omit it, although the broth may have a slightly less rich flavor. A small amount of tomato sauce can also work.

Q: What should I serve with beef stew?

A: Crusty bread, biscuits, dinner rolls, a green salad, or steamed green beans make wonderful side dishes.

🍽️ Short Description

This Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots features fork-tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory gravy infused with garlic and herbs. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, this comforting crockpot classic is a warm and satisfying meal!🥩🥕 Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

📝 Description

Warm, hearty, and packed with homemade flavor, this Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is the ultimate comfort-food dinner! Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly in a rich, savory gravy alongside soft potatoes, sweet carrots, onions, garlic, and fragrant herbs. Every spoonful delivers delicious, slow-cooked flavor that tastes like a traditional homemade meal.

This easy crockpot recipe requires just a little preparation before the slow cooker takes over. As the beef cooks low and slow, it becomes fork-tender, while the vegetables absorb the delicious broth. The result is a thick, comforting stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday dinners, or feeding the whole family.

Serve this delicious beef stew with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or homemade biscuits to soak up every drop of the flavorful gravy!

🛒 Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes

1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices

1 large yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons cornstarch, optional

2 tablespoons cold water, optional

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Cut the beef chuck into evenly sized cubes and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

This step is optional, but browning adds extra depth and richness to the stew.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the potatoes, carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the browned beef over the vegetables.

Step 4: Make the Stew Broth

In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the dried thyme and rosemary, then stir until combined.

Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables. Add the bay leaves and gently stir to distribute the ingredients.

Step 5: Slow-Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft but still hold their shape.

Cooking times vary depending on the slow cooker and the size of the beef pieces. The beef should become tender before serving.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth.

Stir the slurry into the stew during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until the broth thickens. Alternatively, transfer some broth to a saucepan, whisk in the slurry, and simmer until thickened before returning it to the slow cooker.

Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or warm dinner rolls.

Enjoy the tender beef, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and rich homemade gravy in every comforting bite!

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8–9 hours on LOW

Additional Time: 20–30 minutes if thickening

Total Time: Approximately 8½–9½ hours

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

Flavor Profile: Savory, rich, hearty, and herby

💡 Helpful Tips

Choose beef chuck: This cut becomes wonderfully tender during long cooking and gives the stew a rich flavor.

Cut vegetables into large pieces: Thick carrot slices and evenly sized potato pieces are less likely to become mushy.

Brown for extra flavor: Searing the beef creates a delicious browned exterior that adds depth to the broth.

Avoid too much liquid: The vegetables and beef release moisture while cooking. The broth does not need to cover every ingredient completely.

Adjust the thickness: For a thinner stew, skip the cornstarch. For a thicker gravy, add the slurry gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Add extra vegetables: Mushrooms, celery, peas, or green beans are excellent additions. Add delicate vegetables such as peas near the end of cooking.

Make it ahead: The stew can be prepared in advance and reheated gently. The flavors often taste even better the following day.

Store leftovers safely: Refrigerate in shallow, airtight containers within two hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat to 165°F (74°C).

❓ Questions & Answers

Q: What is the best beef for slow-cooker stew?

A: Beef chuck is an excellent choice because its connective tissue softens during slow cooking, producing tender, flavorful pieces of meat.

Q: Can I put raw beef directly into the slow cooker?

A: Yes. Browning is optional, so you can add seasoned raw beef directly to the slow cooker. Searing beforehand simply adds more flavor.

Q: Why is my beef stew meat tough?

A: The beef may need more cooking time. Continue cooking until the meat becomes fork-tender rather than judging doneness by time alone.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

A: Yes, but sweet potatoes soften more quickly and have a sweeter flavor. Cut them into large pieces and consider adding them later in the cooking process.

Q: How can I make the stew gluten-free?

A: Use certified gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and thicken the stew with cornstarch instead of wheat flour. Check all product labels.

Q: Can I make this recipe without tomato paste?

A: Yes. You can omit it, although the broth may have a slightly less rich flavor. A small amount of tomato sauce can also work.

Q: What should I serve with beef stew?

A: Crusty bread, biscuits, dinner rolls, a green salad, or steamed green beans make wonderful side dishes.

🍽️ Short Description

This Slow-Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots features fork-tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory gravy infused with garlic and herbs. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, this comforting crockpot classic is a warm and satisfying meal!