Hearty Slow Cooker Stew

Nothing beats curling up with a bowl of beef stew from your slow cooker on a chilly night. You toss in everything and leave it—it doesn't get simpler than that. You'll end up with super tender beef and chunky veggies. Just walk away and come back to great food for dinner.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups beef broth
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, chopped
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 lbs beef stew meat

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Start up the slow cooker on low. Let it hang out for about 8 hours, so everything gets that deep, cozy flavor and the meat basically melts.

Step 2:

Pour in the tomato paste, broth, chopped onion, carrots, cubed potatoes, and all your beef. Everyone into the pot!

Step 3:

Toss in salt, pepper, and some thyme if you like. Give everything a good mix so those flavors can settle in together.

Step 4:

Check the taste at the end and see if you need a bit more salt or pepper. Ladle it into bowls and dig in while it’s piping hot.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Let leftovers cool, seal in a container, then stash in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat up on the stove or zap in the microwave till piping hot.
• You can also freeze extra stew by the bowlful. Just thaw and warm up whenever you want something tasty and filling.

Helpful Notes

• If your stew seems runny at the end, shake up a spoonful of cornstarch or flour with water, stir it in, and let it thicken before serving.
• Pick beef stew meat with a bit of fat running through—it'll end up way tastier and more tender.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Craving extra oomph? Brown your beef chunks first in a hot skillet for a few minutes. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor!

A Classic Comfort Food Made Easy

Warm beef stew is classic for a reason—it’s just pure comfort. With this hands-off method, you’ll get everything you love—the rich, savory broth, fork-tender beef, and soft veggies—without standing over the stove forever. Just let the slow cooker do what it does best while you go about your day.

FAQs

Can I throw in other vegetables?

Totally! Try swapping in parsnips, green beans, or add some peas. They’ll bring cool textures and extra flavor.

What goes great alongside?

You can’t beat a thick piece of crusty bread. Or try a green salad to lighten things up. Spoon it over rice or mashed potatoes if you’re extra hungry.

How do I make this without gluten?

Double-check your broth and tomato paste—lots are gluten-free, just read labels. If you need to thicken, stick with cornstarch.

Can I speed things up by cooking on high?

You sure can! 4–5 hours on high works if you’re rushed. But go for low and slow if you want that super-tender beef with the best taste.

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Summary

This hearty crockpot stew combines chunks of soft veggies and tender beef in a rich broth. Just set it and forget it for a satisfying cold-weather meal. Pair it with some crusty bread to complete the experience.