Hearty Slow Cooker Beef And Potato Stew Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty aromas of slow cooker beef and potato stew waft through kitchens, promising comfort on chilly evenings.

Rich, tender chunks of meat melt into a savory broth that speaks of home-cooked warmth.

Potatoes absorb the deep, robust flavors of carefully seasoned beef, creating a meal that satisfies down to the soul.

Every spoonful tells a story of patience and culinary love.

Rustic and uncomplicated, this stew brings together simple ingredients in a dance of deliciousness.

Grab your slow cooker and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Go into Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Stew

For Protein Base:
  • Beef Chuck Roast: Richly marbled cut that transforms into melt-in-your-mouth tender chunks after slow cooking, perfect for hearty stews with deep, robust flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Adds liquid foundation and enhances meaty depth, selecting low-sodium varieties allows better control of overall dish saltiness.
For Vegetable Foundation:
  • Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes that break down slightly during cooking, creating natural thickening and delivering comforting, creamy texture.
  • Onions: Provides sweet undertone and aromatic base, selecting fresh firm onions ensures maximum flavor development.
  • Carrots: Introduces subtle sweetness and vibrant color, choosing medium-sized carrots ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Celery: Contributes delicate herbal notes and subtle crunch, picking crisp stalks guarantees freshness.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic punch, using fresh cloves maximizes robust flavor profile.
  • Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, woodsy undertones complementing beef's richness, using dried version provides concentrated herbal essence.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings balancing overall taste, selecting freshly ground black pepper elevates flavor complexity.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, umami depth, choosing high-quality brand intensifies savory characteristics.

Handy Tools for Your Slow Cooker Stew Journey

  • Slow Cooker: Your trusty kitchen companion for tender, flavorful meals.
  • Cutting Board: Essential for prepping meat and potatoes safely.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps you chop ingredients quickly and evenly.
  • Measuring Cups: Ensures perfect ingredient proportions for a delicious stew.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring and distributing ingredients in the slow cooker.

Making Slow Cooker Beef & Potato Stew, One Cozy Hour at a Time

  • Ingredient Harmony

Nestle beef chunks and chunky potato pieces into your slow cooker, letting them mingle with aromatic seasonings and savory liquid. Create a cozy landscape of comfort food ingredients that will transform during cooking.

  • Slow Cooker Magic

Seal the lid tightly, letting your slow cooker work its culinary transformation. Set the temperature to LOW and allow the stew to simmer gently for 8-10 hours. During this time, tough meat fibers will relax, potatoes will absorb rich flavors, and everything will merge into a soul-warming meal that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Ways to Deepen the Flavor in Every Stewful Bite

  • Swap beef chuck roast with lamb shoulder or chicken thighs for a delightful twist on the classic stew recipe.
  • Toss in diced carrots, parsnips, or turnips to enhance nutritional value and add extra layers of flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves to create a more complex and aromatic profile for your stew.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew during the last hour of cooking to achieve a rich, hearty texture.

Serve Up Comfort with This Beef and Potato Combo

  • Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Tear chunks of warm, rustic bread to soak up the rich, savory gravy and complement the tender beef and potatoes.
  • Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the stew just before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
  • Pair with Simple Side Salad: Create a light green salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty stew.
  • Enhance with Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some sharp cheddar or parmesan on top to add a creamy, tangy dimension to the warm, comforting dish.

Keeping Stew Tasty for the Next Day

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover stew in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and preserve optimal flavor quality.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. These portions will stay delicious for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching the bottom.
  • Maximize Freshness: Consume refrigerated stew within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture. Always check for any unusual odors or signs of spoilage before reheating and enjoying your meal.
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Hearty Slow Cooker Beef And Potato Stew Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef And Potato Stew Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker beef and potato stew delivers comfort from Irish kitchens with tender meat and rich gravy. Rustic ingredients meld together, creating a soul-warming meal that connects families around welcoming dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.25 lbs (567 g) stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups (720 ml) Yukon gold potatoes, cubed and peeled
  • 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
  • 0.25 cup (60 ml) chopped onion
  • 1 cup (240 ml) brown steak sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsps minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Arrange beef chunks and potatoes in a uniform layer within the slow cooker, ensuring optimal distribution for consistent cooking and flavor development.
  2. Seasoning: Generously dust the meat and potatoes with herbs and spices, creating a robust flavor profile that will permeate throughout the stew during the slow-cooking process.
  3. Liquid Integration: Cascade beef broth and diced tomatoes over the layered ingredients, allowing the liquid to weave through the meat and potato pieces and provide essential moisture.
  4. Initial Mixing: Gently blend the contents to ensure complete coating of seasonings and liquids, guaranteeing that every morsel absorbs the aromatic cooking essence.
  5. Cooking Setup: Seal the slow cooker lid securely and set the temperature to LOW, initiating a prolonged, gentle cooking method that will transform tough meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.
  6. Slow Cooking: Permit the stew to simmer undisturbed for 8 to 10 hours, allowing flavors to develop complexity and ingredients to meld into a rich, hearty composition.
  7. Final Touch: Perform a concluding taste evaluation, adjusting seasonings with salt and ground black pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile before serving piping hot.

Notes

  • Optimize Meat Tenderness: Choose chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling to ensure maximum softness during the long, slow cooking process.
  • Layer Like a Pro: Arrange ingredients strategically by placing meat at the bottom and potatoes on top to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture.
  • Moisture Management: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to preserve heat and prevent moisture loss, which can dramatically impact the stew’s final consistency.
  • Season Smartly: Use dried herbs like thyme and rosemary sparingly, as their flavors concentrate during extended slow cooking and can become overwhelming if overused.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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