Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A comforting homemade slow cooker beef stew with tender beef, vegetables, and rich broth, perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Chop the vegetables and cut the beef into cubes.
- Brown the beef (optional): In a large skillet, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat.
- Add to slow cooker: Transfer the beef to the slow cooker along with the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
- Mix the sauce: Whisk together the broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper, then pour over the meat and vegetables.
- Add bay leaves: Tuck them into the mixture.
- Set to cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Add peas (optional): Stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust: Check for seasoning before serving.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce.