Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe first chill in the air often sends us rushing for something warm and comforting, doesn’t it? That’s when I turn to my beloved Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables. This dish has a way of wrapping you in a cozy embrace while transforming ordinary ingredients into a nourishing meal. With just a bit of prep, you can savor tender beef mingling with hearty root vegetables, all simmered to perfection without fuss. Ideal for busy weeknights, this stew is not only family-friendly but also offers the bonus of easy cleanup—leaving you more time to unwind. So, who’s ready to fill their home with delicious aromas and impress everyone around the dinner table? Why is this stew a must-try? Hearty Comfort: This Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables is the ultimate warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep, this recipe is tailored for busy cooks, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Nutrient-Packed: Bursting with root veggies like carrots and parsnips, this stew offers a nutritious punch that complements the rich beef flavor. Family-Friendly Appeal: It’s a meal that pleases everyone at the table, making it a staple for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Time-Saving: Let your slow cooker do the work! Just set it and forget it while you attend to your day. For more hearty meal inspiration, check out our delicious Slow Cooker Tom or a flavorful Mexican Ground Beef dish. Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ingredients • You only need a handful of wholesome ingredients to create this hearty dish! For the Stew Beef Stew Meat – the star ingredient providing rich flavor; substitute with chuck roast for extra tenderness. Avocado Oil or Olive Oil – essential for browning meat; feel free to use any cooking oil you prefer. Yellow Onion – offers a flavorful aromatic base; shallots are a great alternative for a milder taste. Potatoes (yellow, red, or russet) – add a creamy texture and bulk; don’t hesitate to swap in other root veggies. Parsnips – bring sweetness and unique flavor; you can replace them with extra carrots or any root vegetable of choice. Carrots – infuse natural sweetness and vibrant color; either fresh or frozen work just fine. Garlic – amplifies overall flavor with its aromatic essence. Diced Tomatoes – provides necessary acidity and moisture; crucial for achieving that perfect stew consistency. Beef Broth – forms the flavorful stew base; for a lighter touch, consider using vegetable broth. Dried Thyme – adds a delightful herby depth; fresh thyme is a fragrant substitute if you have it. Dried Rosemary – contributes aromatic undertones; fresh rosemary offers a more intensified flavor profile. Green Beans – add pops of color and texture; use fresh or frozen, and stir them in during the last part of cooking. Cornstarch (optional) – a handy thickener if you prefer a heartier stew; arrowroot serves as a great grain-free alternative. Creating this Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables is as easy as 1-2-3, and your family will thank you for it! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables Step 1: Brown the Beef Heat a tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef stew meat to the pan, searing each piece until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. This step enhances flavor and texture. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker and repeat the process with the remaining meat. Step 2: Combine Ingredients Once all the beef is in the slow cooker, add the chopped yellow onion, diced potatoes, parsnips, and carrots. Then, stir in minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, followed by the dried thyme and rosemary. Ensure everything is well combined and coated in the broth, enhancing the overall flavor of the Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables. Step 3: Slow Cook the Stew Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Allow the stew to simmer, letting the flavors meld beautifully together. After a few hours, open the lid occasionally to enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as the stew becomes tender and hearty. Step 4: Add Green Beans In the final 30 to 60 minutes of cooking, uncover the slow cooker and gently stir in the green beans. This addition adds vibrant color and a fresh texture to the stew. Check for doneness by ensuring the beans are tender yet still vibrant and green, elevating your Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables. Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional) If you desire a thicker stew, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch with a little cold water in a small bowl. Once mixed, stir this into the simmering broth in the slow cooker. Allow it to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the stew thickens to your preferred consistency. What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables Pairing the perfect sides with this heartfelt stew can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Crusty Bread: This golden, crusty delight is perfect for slathering with butter, soaking up the rich broth, and making each bite even more indulgent. Homemade Biscuits: Fluffy and buttery, these biscuits offer a delightful contrast to the heartiness of the stew and are perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, these potatoes add an extra layer of comfort to your meal. Their buttery flavor beautifully complements the rich beef stew. Coleslaw: A refreshing burst of crunch, coleslaw balances the warm, hearty flavors of the stew and adds a vibrant touch to your plate. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned to perfection, their crispy edges provide an earthy and savory flavor that pairs delightfully with the tender beef. Simple Green Salad: A light mix of fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette can brighten the palate, providing a delightful contrast to the comfort of the stew. Wine Pairing: Consider a glass of Merlot or Chianti to enhance the robust flavors. Their fruity notes and smooth tannins complement the beef beautifully. Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp sprinkled with cinnamon is a cozy finish that offers warmth and sweetness after your hearty meal. Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables Variations Feel free to dress this comforting stew to suit your taste buds or dietary needs; the possibilities are endless! Vegetarian-Friendly: Swap beef for hearty mushrooms or lentils to create a delicious plant-based stew. Low-Carb Delight: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a satisfying, lower-carb version. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a delightful heat that warms you from within. Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh parsley or cilantro at the end to brighten the flavors. This pop of freshness can completely transform the dish! Sweet and Savory: Include a diced apple or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully. Creamy Texture: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream just before serving for a rich, velvety finish. Asian-Inspired: Introduce soy sauce or ginger for an aromatic twist, complementing the traditional ingredients with exciting new flavors. Hearty Grain Addition: For added texture, mix in cooked barley or quinoa for a wholesome twist that also adds fiber. The joy of cooking lies in experimentation! And if you’re looking to explore more classic dishes, consider trying a savory Slow Cooker Beef or perhaps indulge in a flavorful Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef. How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables Fridge: Store leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps the flavors robust and ensures freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheating: Warm the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps retain the tenderness of the vegetables and beef. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop your vegetables and even brown the beef up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the prepared ingredients in airtight containers, keeping the beef separate until cooking to maintain its quality. When you’re ready to enjoy your stew, just add everything to the slow cooker with the broth and spices, and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. This way, you’ll have a hearty, nourishing meal waiting for you at the end of a long day—just as delicious as if you had made it fresh! Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Stew Browning Matters: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step for a richer beef taste! Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Different root vegetables can change the flavor profile of your Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables for new exciting meals. Monitor Cook Time: If using leaner cuts of meat, shorter cook times on HIGH may be necessary to avoid dryness. The infusion of flavor matters! Thickening Tips: If you want a thicker stew, be careful when adding cornstarch. Mix it with cold water first to avoid lumps in your Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Leftover Love: Save any leftovers in airtight containers. Stews often taste even better the next day as flavors meld! Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so on low heat and stir carefully to prevent overcooking the vegetables. Enjoy every comforting bite! Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables Recipe FAQs How do I select the best meat for my stew? Absolutely! When choosing beef stew meat, look for cuts that contain some marbling, like chuck roast. The fat will melt during slow cooking, creating tender and flavorful meat. Avoid pieces that are lean or have a lot of connective tissue, as they won’t break down as nicely and can lead to a tougher texture in your stew. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Very simply, pour any leftover Slow Cooker Beef Stew into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can be helpful to let the stew cool slightly before sealing to avoid condensation buildup. This way, you’ll preserve that delightful flavor and texture for your next meal! Can I freeze my stew, and if so, for how long? Absolutely! You can freeze your Slow Cooker Beef Stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. I often portion it into individual servings, which makes for quick and convenient meals later. Just ensure you leave a little space at the top of the container for the stew to expand as it freezes. What if my stew turns out too thin? If you find your stew is lacking in thickness after cooking, fear not! You can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering stew and allow it to cook for another 15-20 minutes until thickened. This should give you that hearty consistency you’re after! Are there any dietary considerations for my stew? Definitely! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, keep an eye on ingredient substitutions. For instance, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter option. Also, be aware of allergens—if anyone has a gluten intolerance, make sure to use gluten-free cornstarch for thickening, or simply skip that step. How do I tell when my stew is fully cooked? You’ll know your Slow Cooker Beef Stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender, which typically takes about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The vegetables should also be soft but not mushy. If you add green beans, they should be bright green and tender, indicating they’re perfectly cooked without losing their fresh flavor! Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables Bliss No ratings yet Enjoy a warm, comforting Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables, perfect for chilly nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 cupsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Stew2 pounds Beef Stew Meat Substitute with chuck roast for extra tenderness.1 tablespoon Avocado Oil or Olive Oil Essential for browning meat; any cooking oil can be used.1 medium Yellow Onion Shallots are a good alternative for a milder taste.3 cups Potatoes Yellow, red, or russet; can swap with other root veggies.2 medium Parsnips Can be replaced with extra carrots or any root vegetable.3 medium Carrots Fresh or frozen work fine.3 cloves Garlic Minced.1 can Diced Tomatoes Provides acidity and moisture.4 cups Beef Broth A lighter touch can be achieved with vegetable broth.1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Fresh thyme makes for a fragrant substitute.1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary Fresh offers a more intensified flavor.1 cup Green Beans Use fresh or frozen; add during the last part of cooking.2 tablespoons Cornstarch Optional thickener; arrowroot serves as a grain-free alternative. Equipment slow cooker Method Step-by-Step InstructionsHeat a tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef stew meat to the pan, searing each piece until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker and repeat with the remaining meat.Once all the beef is in the slow cooker, add the chopped yellow onion, diced potatoes, parsnips, and carrots. Stir in minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, followed by the dried thyme and rosemary. Ensure everything is well combined.Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Allow the stew to simmer, letting the flavors meld beautifully together.In the final 30 to 60 minutes of cooking, uncover the slow cooker and gently stir in the green beans.If you desire a thicker stew, prepare a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the simmering broth. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg NotesSearing the beef enhances flavor; customize root veggies for different meals. Monitor cook time for leaner cuts to avoid dryness. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
