This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe requires no browning, and comes together in a snap!
I love using a slow cooker to start dinner early in the day before the evening rush. Many beef stew recipes suggest browning the meat first, but when I’m heading out for work that’s an extra step I usually skip. Over time I’ve tested this recipe both with and without browning and, honestly, the flavor difference is negligible. Skipping the sear also means fewer dishes to wash and a truly hands-off meal.
If you prefer to brown your meat — or your slow cooker has a sear function — feel free to do so. It adds color and a bit of depth, but this version is designed to be simple and still delicious without that step.
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Let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb stew meat
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1.5 lb potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large (or 2 small) onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 cups broth
- 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
Because this method skips browning, the only tools you need are a cutting board, a knife, and a spoon or spatula for stirring.
Instructions
Chop the onion and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. They’ll have plenty of time to soften in the slow cooker, so you can cut them slightly larger if you’re in a hurry, but smaller pieces give you more balanced bites. I usually leave baby carrots whole, so I size other vegetables accordingly.
Start by adding the tomato paste and liquids (broth, wine, and Worcestershire sauce) to the bottom of the slow cooker. Mix them together well — dissolving the tomato paste in the liquids first helps incorporate its flavor evenly.
Season the stew meat with salt and pepper, then add the meat, potatoes, carrots, chopped onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.
Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 8–10 hours. Eight hours is typically enough, and longer is fine if you need to leave it overnight or while you’re at work. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for about 4–5 hours (see notes below).
When the timer’s up, give the stew a stir and serve. It’s an effortless “dump and go” meal that results in a hearty, comforting dinner.
Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I brown my meat first?
Browning meat adds color and can deepen flavor, but with this recipe the difference is subtle. I skip it most of the time for convenience and to cut down on dishes, and the stew still turns out rich and satisfying.
How do you thicken slow cooker beef stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, try one of these methods: coat the meat lightly in flour or cornstarch before adding it to the slow cooker so it thickens as it cooks; stir in a cornstarch or flour slurry about 30 minutes before serving; or remove some cooked potatoes, mash or blend them, and return them to the pot to naturally thicken the liquid.
Can you overcook beef stew in a slow cooker?
It’s possible to overcook the vegetables if left for too long, but the meat generally holds up well. I typically cook this stew for up to 10 hours on low. Using a slow cooker that switches from cook to warm automatically can help prevent overcooking.
What’s a good side dish for easy slow cooker beef stew?
Crusty bread, like a baguette, is a favorite for soaking up the broth. A simple green salad pairs nicely if you want a lighter, gluten-free option.
I hope you enjoy this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe! Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!
📖 Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This no-browning, dump-and-go crockpot beef stew is an easy, hearty dinner that’s especially satisfying on chilly days.
15 minutes
8 hours
8 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb stew meat
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1.5 lb potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large (or 2 small) onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 cups broth
- 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Cut onions and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste to the slow cooker and mix until the tomato paste is dissolved.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper, then add the meat, carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 8–10 hours (or high for 4–5 hours) and enjoy!
Notes
Recipe can be made on the high setting in 4–5 hours if needed.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 333Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 344mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 30g
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate. Use your preferred calculator with the actual ingredients you use for optimal accuracy.