Slow cooker beef stew

Cozy classic incoming 🥩🥕 Slow Cooker Beef Stew—tender beef, rich gravy, zero stress.

Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes

• Salt & black pepper

• 2 Tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 carrots, sliced

• 3 potatoes, cubed

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

• 3 cups beef broth

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Season beef generously with salt and pepper.

2. Optional but recommended: Brown beef in a hot skillet with oil for extra flavor.

3. Add beef, onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker.

4. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire, thyme, and paprika.

5. Cover and cook:

   • LOW: 7–8 hours

   • HIGH: 4–5 hours

6. Thicken (optional): Stir in cornstarch slurry during last 30 minutes.

Pro Tips

• Chuck = best cut (don’t use lean beef)

• Cut veggies large so they don’t turn mushy

• Add peas in the last 30 minutes if you like

• Taste and salt at the end

Serve With

• Crusty bread or biscuits

• Buttered noodles

• Mashed potatoes (yes, over potatoes is a thing 😄)

Want a dump-and-go version, no browning, or a Guinness/beer stew twist?