Description
A comforting, hands-off slow cooker beef stew made with simple ingredients. Tender beef and root vegetables simmer in a rich, savory broth for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 dried bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck roast dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes into the slow cooker.
- Peel and dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and cube the potatoes. Add all vegetables to the slow cooker on top of the beef.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper until the tomato paste is dissolved.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir gently to combine and ensure meat is submerged.
- Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours (or High for 4-5 hours) until the beef is fork-tender.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour into the slow cooker and stir gently.
- Cover and cook on High for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
- Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Do not lift the lid frequently during cooking to retain heat. For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup dry red wine. If using frozen beef, thaw first for safety and ease of cutting. The stew thickens as it cools; add broth when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with crusty b
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 32
Keywords: slow cooker, beef stew, comfort food, easy dinner, winter recipe, one pot meal, gluten-free option