Description

This best ever slow cooker beef stew is packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes and carrots, and a rich, savory gravy that makes the perfect easy weeknight dinner or cozy Sunday meal

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste
5 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 pound baby potatoes, halved if large
1 small white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
1/2 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups frozen peas
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer the browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the sliced carrots, baby potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic on top of the beef in the slow cooker.
In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are soft.
About 30–45 minutes before serving, ladle 1 cup of hot cooking liquid into a bowl. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook until the stew thickens into a rich gravy.
Stir in the frozen peas during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking so they heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, with bread, mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add sliced mushrooms or celery along with the other vegetables.

– To make this recipe gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

– This stew thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.

– A 6-quart slow cooker works best; if yours is smaller, reduce the recipe slightly so it doesn’t overfill.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (on LOW)
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food