Name: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489135H17M18S
Total time: PT-489135H17M18S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 lb stewing beef (like chuck), cut into 1″ pieces; 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 large garlic clove, chopped; 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 3 medium carrots, chopped; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cups low-sodium beef broth (or 3 cups water + bouillon); 1 packet dry onion soup mix; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp dried rosemary; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup frozen peas (added near the end)

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I prepare this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew by slowly simmering tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory seasonings in a crockpot until everything melds into a thick, comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days or cozy nights.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortless and flavorful this stew is. Once I brown the beef and toss everything into the slow cooker, the rich aroma fills my kitchen while I go about my day. By dinnertime, I get to enjoy fall-apart tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables in a thick, flavorful broth. It’s classic comfort food made easy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 lb stewing beef (like chuck), cut into 1″ pieces
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 large garlic clove, chopped
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 cups low-sodium beef broth (or 3 cups water + bouillon)
1 packet dry onion soup mix
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas (added near the end)

Directions

I start by adding flour, salt, and pepper to a zip-top bag, then toss the beef chunks in it until coated.
I heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the coated beef. I then add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
I transfer the beef, onions, and garlic into my slow cooker.
I layer in the potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf.
I stir everything together, cover the slow cooker, and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–6 hours.
I stir in the frozen peas about 15–30 minutes before serving so they stay vibrant and tender.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on HIGH or 6–8 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 4 to 8 hours and 15 minutes depending on setting

Variations

I swap dried herbs for fresh ones like rosemary and thyme for a burst of fresh flavor.
Sometimes I use red or Yukon gold potatoes instead of russets for a creamier texture.
If I want to skip the onion soup mix, I season with extra garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
I add mushrooms or parsnips for more earthy, robust flavor.
To thicken the stew, I stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage / Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, I freeze individual portions for up to 4 months.
I reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, I thaw it overnight in the fridge first.

FAQs

How do I keep the beef tender and not dry?

I use well-marbled cuts like chuck and cook the stew low and slow to keep the beef tender and juicy.

Can I skip browning the beef?

Yes, but I usually brown it because it adds richer flavor and better texture. Skipping it saves time but sacrifices depth.

What can I use instead of the onion soup mix?

I sometimes use beef bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt for a homemade version.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely. I stir in fresh peas during the last 15–30 minutes of cooking so they stay bright and tender.

How do I thicken the stew without using flour?

I use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) stirred in at the end to thicken the broth.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew is one of my favorite go-to comfort meals. It’s packed with rich flavor, tender beef, and wholesome veggies—all cooked effortlessly in the crockpot. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this stew always hits the spot.

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew