Slow Cooker Cubed Beef Stew

A classic comfort food recipe designed for ease and convenience, featuring tender cubed beef cooked low and slow with potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs. Ideal for busy days or hands-off cooking.

Ingredients

• 700g cubed beef (chuck or stewing beef)
• 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• Optional: ½ cup peas
• Optional: ½ cup green beans
• Optional: 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Pat the cubed beef dry with paper towels. Optionally, lightly coat the beef in flour and sear in a hot pan with a little oil for 3–4 minutes until browned.
2. Place the cubed beef into the slow cooker. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic on top.
3. In a bowl, mix together beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaf if using.
4. Cover and cook on Low setting for 6–8 hours or High setting for 4–5 hours. Avoid opening the lid frequently.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add peas or green beans if using. For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon flour with a little water to form a slurry and stir it into the stew. Let it cook for the remaining time until thickened.
6. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper on top.

Notes

Tips: Choose chuck beef for tenderness, sear meat for richness, cut vegetables evenly, and season at the end. Variations include replacing potatoes with turnips/cauliflower for low-carb, adding chili flakes for heat, or using fresh herbs. Storage: Refrigerator up to 4 days, Freezer up to 3 months. Reheat on stove or microwave. Serves 6. Prep Time: 20 minutes. Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high).