There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, hearty beef stew simmered low and slow, especially when the flavors meld perfectly with tender potatoes and sweet baby carrots. This Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a timeless dish that brings the cozy feel of home-cooked meals to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for chilly evenings or weekend dinners, it’s rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying.

This recipe is a fantastic option for busy days — just prep, set your slow cooker, and come back to a meal that’s full of tender, juicy beef and flavorful vegetables in a savory broth.

Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses a slow cooker for effortless cooking
Juicy, tender beef with deep, savory flavors
Perfect balance of herbs and seasoning
Loaded with hearty potatoes and sweet carrots
Served with crispy toasted bread for a complete meal

The slow cooking process allows the beef to become meltingly tender while infusing the broth with rich, aromatic flavors. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 cups baby carrots
4 slices bread, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef pieces generously with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring a nice crust forms. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits — this adds extra flavor to the stew.

4. Add Herbs and Seasoning

Add dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the broth mixture. Pour everything over the beef in the slow cooker.

5. Add Vegetables

Add the peeled potatoes and baby carrots to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

6. Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

7. Serve

Toast the bread slices until golden brown. Serve the stew over the toasted bread, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variations

Add mushrooms for extra earthiness and texture.
Use red wine in place of some beef broth for deeper flavor.
Include celery or parsnips for more vegetable variety.
Swap fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for dried Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence.
Make it spicy by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Heating and Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freeze portions for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, but brisket or stew meat works well too.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, brown the beef and cook everything in a large pot, simmering for 2-3 hours until tender.

How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?

Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, but add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.

Can I skip browning the beef?

Browning adds flavor and color, but you can skip it if short on time.

What bread pairs best with this stew?

Crusty bread like sourdough or French bread works best for soaking up the broth.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, potatoes and carrots are classic, but peas, green beans, or parsnips also work well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you ensure your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.

How can I make it more hearty?

Add extra potatoes, carrots, or serve with buttered noodles.

Conclusion

This classic slow cooker beef stew offers tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, and sweet carrots all infused with aromatic herbs and a rich broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, easy to prepare and perfect for any day you want comfort food without fuss. Serve it over toasted bread for a complete and satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Chef sara
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (high) or 8 hours 20 minutes (low)
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This slow cooker beef stew is packed with tender beef chunks, hearty potatoes, and sweet baby carrots in a savory broth with herbs. Simple to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners.

Instructions

Brown beef in olive oil, season with salt and pepper; transfer to slow cooker.
Sauté onion and garlic in skillet; add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scrape browned bits.
Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper; pour over beef.
Add potatoes and carrots; stir gently.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Toast bread; serve stew over bread with parsley garnish.