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Hearty Tender Slow Cooker Beef

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Slow-cooking beef with potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs results in fork-tender bites and deep, robust flavors. Start by browning beef for extra flavor, then let it gently braise with vegetables and herbs in a savory broth. The low, slow heat ensures juicy, fall-apart meat and perfectly cooked veggies. Stir in peas at the end for pop of color and freshness. A touch of flour can thicken the rich broth to your liking. Enjoy this cozy, hearty dish with a garnish of fresh herbs for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

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Casey
Updated on Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:12:16 GMT
A plate of food with meat and vegetables. Pin it
A plate of food with meat and vegetables. | cookingwithcasey.com

This hearty and tender slow cooker beef stew is the kind of meal that fills your home with cozy aromas and brings everyone to the table. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft and each bite is loaded with slow-cooked goodness from potatoes, carrots, celery, and a savory mixture of herbs. I always turn to this recipe when I want maximum comfort with minimum effort — the slow cooker does all the work and the results are always deeply satisfying.

I first started making this stew on snowy weekends when I wanted a warm homemade meal but also wanted to relax. Now we have it almost every winter month and my husband starts asking for it as soon as the weather turns chilly.

Ingredients

  • Beef stew meat: this cut becomes incredibly tender with slow cooking look for well-marbled pieces for best flavor
  • Beef broth: forms the rich savory base of the stew opt for low sodium if you prefer
  • Potatoes: add heartiness choose Yukon gold or russet for a creamy texture
  • Carrots: offer natural sweetness and color
  • Celery: brings a subtle earthy note and balances flavors
  • Onion: adds depth and a gentle sweetness
  • Garlic: provides aromatic richness mince fresh for optimal flavor
  • Frozen peas: bring brightness and a fresh pop added late to stay green
  • Dried thyme: a classic herb for beef stew with warm savory notes
  • Dried rosemary: gives bold herby flavor crush it slightly to release fragrance
  • Bay leaf: infuses the stew with mellow herbal depth remove before serving
  • Salt and pepper: for overall seasoning use freshly cracked pepper if possible
  • Olive oil: helps brown the beef and adds a hint of richness
  • Flour: helps thicken the stew if you prefer a creamier finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Beef:
Brown beef cubes in hot olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until deeply browned on all sides this builds savory flavor for the stew
Assemble the Stew:
Layer the browned beef into your slow cooker then add beef broth potatoes carrots celery onion garlic thyme rosemary bay leaf salt and pepper Stir everything together so the seasonings are distributed
Set It and Forget It:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for seven to eight hours or high for four to five hours The long simmer makes the beef meltingly tender and helps the flavors meld
Add the Peas:
About thirty minutes before serving stir in the frozen peas They will heat through without losing their color
Thicken the Stew Optional:
If you prefer a thicker stew make a flour slurry by mixing flour with water Stir into the stew and let it cook for the final thirty minutes The flour will help give the sauce a velvety texture
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle hot stew into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley or your favorite fresh herbs if you like The steam rising from the bowl makes it irresistible
A bowl of meat and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of meat and vegetables. | cookingwithcasey.com

I always look forward to adding the rosemary because it fills my kitchen with that unmistakable woodsy aroma that reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmas house. There is something special about how rosemary and beef just belong together in this classic stew.

Storing Your Stew

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight and taste richer the next day. For longer storage freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to three months and reheat slowly for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try baby potatoes or sweet potatoes if you want a touch of sweetness. If you do not have beef broth use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Replace peas with green beans for a twist or swap rosemary for sage if you like a different herbal note.

Serving Suggestions

A big slice of crusty bread for dunking is almost essential. Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness. Sometimes I top bowls with a spoonful of horseradish cream for a punchy finish that cuts through the stew’s deep flavor.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew in Tradition

Beef stew has deep roots in many cultures from French pot-au-feu to Irish stew. The slow cooker method makes this comforting classic easy for busy home cooks. I love knowing I am making something with so much history and heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why brown the beef before slow cooking?

Browning the beef develops rich, caramelized flavors and enhances the overall depth of the dish.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to include parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and variety.

→ How do I thicken the stew?

Mix flour with water to create a slurry and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, fully cooled portions can be frozen and reheated later for quick, comforting meals.

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck or round cuts work well, as their marbling becomes tender with slow cooking.

Hearty Tender Slow Cooker Beef

Beef simmers to tender perfection with vegetables, fresh herbs, and a rich savory broth—ideal for cozy dinners.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
480 Minutes
Total Time
495 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 900 g beef stew meat, cubed
02 60 ml olive oil
03 1.2 litres beef broth

→ Vegetables

04 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
05 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
06 2 celery stalks, chopped
07 1 onion, chopped
08 1 cup (140 g) frozen peas
09 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

10 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
12 1 bay leaf
13 Salt, to taste
14 Black pepper, to taste

→ Optional thickener

15 2 tablespoons plain flour

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef stew meat on all sides for 5-7 minutes until browned. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.

Step 02

Add beef broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to integrate all ingredients.

Step 03

Cover with the lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are thoroughly cooked.

Step 04

Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add frozen peas to the pot. If a thicker consistency is preferred, whisk flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then gradually stir into the stew. Allow to cook uncovered for the remaining time.

Step 05

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or parsley if desired.

Notes

  1. For enhanced flavor, deglaze the skillet after browning the beef and add those juices to the slow cooker.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small bowl (if thickening the stew)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten from optional flour thickener.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~