This slow cooker beef stew is made with beef chuck, potatoes, carrots and a simple broth. Everything cooks together until the meat is fork-tender, then a quick cornstarch slurry thickens the broth just before dinner.
Why this recipe works
Chuck roast has connective tissue that softens during a long, gentle cook. Cutting the potatoes and carrots into larger pieces helps them hold their shape while the beef becomes tender.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots
This slow cooker beef stew is made with beef chuck, potatoes, carrots and a simple broth. Everything cooks together until the meat is fork-tender, then a quick cornstarch slurry thickens the broth just before dinner.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 8 hr 20 min
- Total
- 8 hr 40 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
Ingredients
15 itemsInstructions
5 stepsPlace the potatoes, carrots, celery and onion in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the fully thawed beef cubes and garlic.
In a bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables. Stir lightly.
Cover and cook on LOW for about 8 hours, until the beef is very tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Avoid repeatedly lifting the lid.
Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the hot stew. Cover, switch to HIGH and cook for about 20 minutes, until the broth thickens slightly.
Taste, adjust the salt and pepper and sprinkle with parsley if using. Serve hot.
A few helpful tips
- Use thawed beef, not frozen chunks. Food-safety guidance recommends thawing meat before slow cooking.
- Cut the potatoes into generous pieces so they do not fall apart.
- If the stew looks thin, give the slurry its full 20 minutes; add a small second slurry only if needed. The stew also thickens as it cools.
Questions about this recipe
Can I use stew meat from the store?
Yes, but check that the pieces are similar in size. Chuck roast usually gives a more predictable tender result.
Should I brown the beef first?
Browning adds flavor but is optional here. If you do brown it, allow another 10 to 15 minutes of hands-on time.
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