Slow Cooker Cubed Beef Stew

Table of Contents

This Slow Cooker Cubed Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with tender beef and wholesome vegetables. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen while transforming simple ingredients into a thick, savory stew perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

2½–3 lbs beef stew meat (chuck, cubed)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2–3 potatoes, cubed
2 cups beef broth
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels—this helps develop better flavor. For extra richness, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavor.

Layer the diced onion evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the cubed beef on top of the onions.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the beef.

Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes on top. Do not stir—keeping the vegetables on top helps them cook perfectly without becoming overly soft.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft but not mushy.

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking and switch to HIGH if needed. Allow it to thicken before serving.

For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during cooking, a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle warmth. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve this comforting beef stew with warm crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory gravy.