Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe

Directions

1. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper and dredge lightly in flour, if using.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the slow cooker, combine carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and potatoes.
4. Add the browned beef on top of the vegetables.
5. Pour in beer (or a combination of beer and beef broth) and additional beef broth. Add bay leaves, smoked paprika, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Recipe Details

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours (low) / 4–5 hours (high)
Total time: 8 hours 20 minutes / 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap beer for additional beef broth or a dark ale if you prefer milder flavors.
• Add mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips for more vegetable variety.
• Use gluten-free flour for dredging if needed.
• For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes into the broth at the end or stir in a slurry of corn starch and water.

Serving Suggestions