Slow Cooker Beef Stew

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

This slow cooker beef stew is a classic stick-to-your-ribs recipe that’s loaded with vegetables and made in the crockpot. It’s perfect for chilly days and company!

This recipe costs $22.60 to make 8 servings, which is $2.83 per serving. For more hearty slow cooker recipes, check out this Crockpot While Chicken, Crockpot Pot Roast with Mushrooms, and this Crockpot Chili. 

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

The recipe I am sharing with you today has been shared on social media thousands of times so far; it is quickly becoming a popular recipe. You will definitely want to check this one out to see what the buzz is about. One of my readers said about this recipe, “That’s a perfect dish to try in winter! Thanks for sharing!” My sentiments exactly! 

There’s something about pulling out the slow cooker and making this beef stew recipe that screams fall and winter comfort food to me. It has something to do with how the beef, tomato, onion, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, peas, and herbs blend so beautifully together.

I like beef stew best when made in the slow cooker because it’s thick and barely saucy. When I make this recipe, I serve it over a bed of polenta or simply with some nice crusty bread.

Can you put raw beef in a slow cooker?

The beauty of a slow cooker is that you do not have to brown the meat first before throwing it in the crockpot (unless you are using ground beef). However, browning it beforehand does add a beautiful flavor to the final product that if you have the time to do it, I would definitely recommend it!

Can you overcook beef stew?

Yes, you can overcook beef stew even though you leave it alone in the slow cooker for multiple hours. If you leave it too long in the crockpot, the outcome will be dry meat and mushy veggies. 

Do I need to brown beef before slow cooking?

Technically, meat does not need to be browned before placing it in the slow cooker. However, for this recipe, the extra step is worth it. Browning the beef first creates a caramelized outer layer and add to the flavor of the beef. 

How to make the best slow cooker beef stew recipe ever:

1. First, start by browning the meat and then pat dry before seasoning the meat with salt and pepper. Next, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil until just smoking. Next, cook half of the beef until it is browned all over. Then, transfer it to a slow-cooker insert and repeat with 1 more tablespoon oil and remaining beef.  
2. Next, brown the onions by adding 1 tablespoon of oil, onions, and 4 teaspoon salt and cook until browned. Then, add the tomato paste and cook until the paste begins to darken. Next, stir in the broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, and bay leaves, bringing it to a boil before transferring it to the slow cooker. 
3. Next, wrap the vegetables. Take a large bowl and toss together the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, remaining oil, some thyme, salt, and pepper. Then place the vegetables on one side of the foil and fold the foil over the vegetables to form a packet that will fit in a slow cooker. Next, crimp edges to seal the packet. 
4. Then, stir in tapioca into the slow cooker and set the vegetable packet on top of the beef. 
5. Finish off by covering the slow cooker for 6-7 hours. When the stew is done cooking, remove bay leaves and place vegetable packet into a large bowl. Next, open the veggie packets and return the vegetables and any juices to the slow cooker. Finally, stir in the remaining ingredients. 

How do I make my beef stew more flavorful?

I like to add the following items to create a rich flavor within the stew: 

• yellow onions 
• tomato paste
• low-sodium beef broth
• soy sauce
• Worcestershire Sauce
• bay leaves
• carrots 
• parsnips 
• red potatoes

How much will this Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe cost to make: 

RECIPE COST: $22.60

PER SERVING COST: $2.83

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

• 4 pounds boneless beef chuck-eye roast –  $11.88
• ½ cup vegetable oil – $0.12
• 4 medium yellow onions – $2.48
• 6 ounce can tomato paste – $0.72
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth – $1.44
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce – $0.08
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – $0.06
• 2 bay leaves – $0.06
• 1 pound carrots – $0.82
• 1 pound parsnips – $2.69
• 2 Tablespoons minute tapioca – $0.50
• 1 pound red potatoes – $0.89
• 1 ½ teaspoon fresh thyme – $0.04
• 2 cups frozen peas – $0.82

Cook’s Tools:

• large skillet
• slow cooker
• large bowl
• heavy-duty foil

More Slow Cooker Recipes: 

• Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
• Southwest Quinoa Stew
• Corn Chowder
• Crockpot Little Smokies
• Boston Baked Beans
• Crockpot Spare Ribs
• Best Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
• Tuscan White Bean Soup
• Chicken Gyro Bowls
• Kielbasa Kapusta
• Ham Chowder
• Baked Ziti