If you crave a bowl of cozy, rich, and soul-warming comfort, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew is absolutely dreamy! Each spoonful bursts with deeply savory flavors, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and perfectly tender root vegetables.

What makes this stew a total must-try? It's the ultimate one-pot wonder-just toss everything in your crockpot and let dinner practically make itself. Low, slow cooking unlocks incredible flavor, transforming humble ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Whether you're feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just want to make your house smell amazing, this is my go-to stew for beating chilly nights. It's inspired by the stick-to-your-ribs beef stew my grandmother used to make-and trust me, it never lasts long!

Warm, rustic bowl of slow cooker beef stew with carrots and potatoes

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A true hands-off dinner: Let your slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
Tastes even better the next day: Flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers crave-worthy.
Budget-friendly and filling: Uses simple, affordable cuts of beef and veggies to feed a crowd.
Ultimate comfort food: Rich, savory broth, tender meat, and hearty vegetables in every bite.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chuck Roast

Chuck roast is the classic choice for stew, thanks to its perfect marbling. As it cooks low and slow, the fat melts into the broth and transforms the beef into delicate, fork-tender pieces. Be sure to cut it into roughly 1.5-inch cubes for even cooking and irresistible texture. You can substitute stew beef if you like, though it may not turn out quite as tender.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes bring a buttery richness to the stew and hold their shape even after hours of cooking. No need to peel, just scrub and dice into chunks. Red potatoes also work well, but russet potatoes tend to break down and become mushy.

Carrots

Carrots add sweetness and beautiful color to your stew. Slice them thickly so they don't disintegrate during the long cook. You can also use parsnips or a mix of root vegetables for variety.

Pearl Onions

These dainty onions melt into the stew and infuse each bite with subtle, complex sweetness. If you can't find pearl onions, swap in a diced yellow onion or shallots for a similar flavor.

Red Wine

A splash of dry red wine deepens the stew's flavor and gives the broth a wonderful richness. Don't worry-the alcohol cooks off, leaving only savory goodness behind. You can leave it out or substitute with extra beef broth if you prefer.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Stew

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Beef

For the richest flavor, sear your beef cubes in a hot skillet with olive oil until all sides are deeply browned-just a few minutes per batch. This step is optional but REALLY boosts savory depth and caramelized flavor in the final stew.

Layer in the Veggies

Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker and add potatoes, carrots, pearl onions, and minced garlic. Spread everything as evenly as possible for even cooking.

Mix the Broth

In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour this savory mixture over the beef and veggies in the slow cooker.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours), until the beef and vegetables are ultra-tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Thicken the Stew

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The broth will turn rich and glossy.

Add Peas and Finish

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Fish out the bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

To make this stew gluten-free, double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and fit for celiac diets!

Add More Veggies

Amp up the nutrition and color by adding diced parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes. Feel free to stir in kale or spinach near the end of cooking for an extra green boost!

Try Different Proteins

Not a beef fan? Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs or turkey breast for a lighter take. The texture will be different, but still delicious!

Make It Wine-Free

Omit the red wine and swap in extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. The stew still packs plenty of savory punch!

Spicy Upgrade

For a bold twist, stir in a diced chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne when mixing the broth. It'll give your stew a gentle, warming kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Stew with a wedge of crusty bread, a slice of buttered sourdough, or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up that incredible gravy. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Add a side salad with a zippy vinaigrette to round out the meal!

Storage and Reheating

Let leftover stew cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Stew (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this Slow Cooker Beef Stew ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day. Make it a day ahead, cool completely, and store in the fridge until ready to reheat and serve.

Q: What’s the best cut of beef for slow cooker stew?

A: Chuck roast is ideal-it's affordable, full of flavor, and becomes fork-tender during slow cooking.

Q: How do I thicken the stew without cornstarch?

A: You can mash some of the cooked potatoes into the broth, or let the stew simmer uncovered on high with the lid off for 20-30 minutes to reduce the liquid.

If you're craving comfort in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew will be your new favorite. It's easy, flavorful, and truly rewards you with minimal effort. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in a comment or star rating below!