Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender beef chuck roast, sweet potatoes, baby potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce.

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Its slow cooking process ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef and a comforting, savory stew perfect for cool evenings, weeknight dinners, or cozy gatherings.

Emma Franklin

Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty comfort dish made with tender beef chuck roast, sweet and baby potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers simmered in a rich tomato-beef broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, it delivers melt-in-your-mouth flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, American comfort food
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed (or 1 tbsp minced garlic)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
  • 10 oz baby potatoes, halved
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth or stock
  • 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes, crushed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp mild paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • knife and cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Season beef with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear beef until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side, in batches. Add more oil if needed.
  3. Transfer browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. In same skillet, fry onion in remaining oil until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to slow cooker.
  5. Add flour and mix well to coat meat and vegetables.
  6. Add sweet potato, baby potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine. Place bay leaves on top.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaves.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 36gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 1240mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 9000IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Prep vegetables the night before for easy assembly. Use pre-minced garlic for convenience. Substitute beef with rotisserie chicken for a lighter variation. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless slow cooker preparation just sear, assemble, and cook.

Rich, tender beef with sweet and savory vegetable medley.

Family-friendly and satisfying, ideal for serving over mashed potatoes or rice.

Great make-ahead option to prep ingredients in advance.

Nutritious with a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed (or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 2-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
  • 10 ounces baby potatoes, halved
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth or stock
  • 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon mild paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Season beef with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear beef until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side, in batches. Add more oil if needed.
  • Transfer browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • In same skillet, fry onion in remaining oil until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to slow cooker.
  • Add flour and mix well to coat meat and vegetables.
  • Add sweet potato, baby potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, paprika, and stir to combine well. Place bay leaves on top.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaves.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Prep Tips

  • To save time, dice and prep all vegetables the night before for quick assembly in the morning.
  • Use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder as a quick alternative.
  • Rotisserie chicken can replace beef for a lighter stew version.

Storage and Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze portions for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding broth if it thickens too much.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

  • Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttered egg noodles.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth.
  • For a spicier version, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma.

Beef stew is a beloved comfort food staple worldwide, with countless regional variations. This slow cooker version offers an easy, fuss-free approach to developing rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a heartwarming meal.