Homemade Slow Cooker Beef & Barley Soup With Canned Corn

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This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a delicious, old fashioned beef stew recipe simmered in the slow cooker with tender meat, carrots, potatoes and celery. It's easy to make and so perfectly comforting and cozy for chilly days! Includes gluten-free, Whole30, paleo, low carb and keto options.

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Updated December 2020

An Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

There's something about winter that makes all of us crave lots of hearty comfort food. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew has been happening regularly at our house lately. My mom used to make a big ole pot of homemade beef stew for us on the weekends as soon as the weather got cooler.

It was the ultimate cold weather food and we'd always go for seconds and thirds throughout the day. It was the best bowl of comforting goodness...especially if we went outside to play in the snow.

Even now, it's still one of my favorite lazy Sunday meals I make for my own family who says they can't get enough.

It's jam-packed and loaded with fresh, real ingredients that are delicious and you can feel good about feeding it to your family and yourself. So healthy, delicious and the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.

Four Easy Beef Stew Recipes to try

If you're a fan of beef stew, we've got 4 delicious versions on our site:

1. LOW AND SLOW –SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW – RECIPE BELOW
2. CLASSIC STOVETOP BEEF STEW
3. SUPER QUICK AND EASY INSTANT POT BEEF STEW
4. IRISH BEEF STEW

Why you will love making beef stew in the slow cooker

As much as I love quick and easy recipes, cooking beef stew in the slow cooker is still one of my favorite ways to make it. It's almost completely hands off and takes hardly any effort. Plus when you cook classic beef stew low and slow, it allows those deliciously deep and rich flavors to develop.

Recipe ingredients for Crockpot Beef Stew

The great thing about soups and stews is that you can customize them by adding whatever vegetables you prefer or have on hand. This easy beef stew recipe is not only delicious but it's also a a healthy comfort food that can easily be gluten-free, paleo, Whole30, low carb or keto with a few swaps.

• Beef chuck roast – is highly recommended and our favorite cut of beef to use for stews. If you don't have access to beef chuck roast, you may sub with beef stew meat but it won't be as tender.
• Salt & pepper
• Seasonings: onion powder, Italian seasoning
• Flour – use gluten-free 1-1 flour, arrowroot starch for paleo beef stew or almond flour for a low carb or keto beef stew
• Aromatics: onion and garlic
• Balsamic vinegar and tomato paste – add a beautiful color and so much amazing flavor
• Vegetables:
  • Yukon potatoes / sweet potatoes – swap with turnips and pumpkin for paleo beef stew and low carb beef stew
  • carrots – leave out for keto
  • celery
• Worcestershire sauce – use homemade Whole30 compliant Worcestershire Sauce for Whole30 Beef Stew
• Bay leaf
• Beef broth
• Star anise – optional but adds SO much depth and flavor
• Water

How to make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1. SEASON MEAT: Start off by combining flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and seasoning. Add meat and shake until well coated.
2. BROWNING THE MEAT:(SKIP THIS STEP IF IN A PINCH BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SINCE IT ADDS THAT EXTRA LAYER OF FLAVOR) – In a large skillet on medium high heat, add cooking oil and brown the meat on all sides. Meat will not be cooked through. (Be sure not to crowd the skillet – you may have to work in batches). Transfer browned meat into a large 6 quart slow cooker.
3. SAUTE AROMATICS: Put the uncleaned skillet back on the stove. Add onions and garlic. Saute then add balsamic vinegar and tomato paste until just hot enough to deglaze the pan. Pour into slow cooker over the beef.
4. ADD VEGETABLES: Add potatoes, sweet potato, carrots, celery, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, beef broth, (star anise if using) and stir to combine. If there is not enough liquid to cover the vegetables, add water – only as much as needed.
5. SIMMER: Cook on low for 5 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours (stir about half way through), until potatoes are tender and meat is cooked through. (Times may vary depending on how hot your slow cooker runs – check and cook longer or shorter if necessary). Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if necessary (discard star anise if used). Serve hot with fresh parsley.

6. THICKEN STEW: Optional: To thicken stew: Make a slurry by whisking 2 tablespoons of flour (all purpose, cornstarch, gluten free flour or arrowroot powder) with 3 tablespoons of cool water. 20-30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the slow cooker, set to HIGH. Stew should thicken within 20-30 minutes. If it does not thicken, your slow cooker may not be hot enough so you will have to transfer to a large pot and heat on the stove if you want to thicken the stew. However, the stew will thicken up on its own overnight in the fridge even without the cornstarch slurry – the slurry is just a solution for immediate results.

FAQ and Tips for making the best beef stew in the slow cooker

1. What type of meat do I use for beef stew? We prefer using beef chuck since I find it produces the most tender beef but if you are in a pinch, you can use beef stew meat
2. What is the best slow cooker for making beef stew? Be sure to use a large 6 quart slow cooker for this recipe.
3. Can I skip browning the meat before? While you can skip this step, browning the meat first helps to seal in those juices and flavors. It's an extra, more involved step, but completely worth it for that caramelized and hearty depth and extra layer of flavor you get
4. What vegetables do you use in beef stew? Be sure to use a combination of aromatics like onions and garlic plus vegetables. I used carrots, celery potatoes and a sweet potato. Feel free to leave that out if you're not a sweet potato fan and you can also add some green peas or cauliflower if you like.
5. What other key ingredients do I need to make the best beef stew? Add some tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar and a star anise for a punch of flavor. If you can't find a star anise or are not a fan, feel free to leave it out.

Make ahead tips

• chop the carrots and celery the day before and add them to a zip-top freezer bag in the fridge
• peel and chop the potatoes and onions and store them in a zip-top freezer bag in the freezer. This prevents the potatoes from changing color and the onions from spreading odours in the fridge.
• cut the beef into chunks and place in zip-top freezer bags. Store in the fridge.

Storage Instructions

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe makes a big batch with enough for lots of leftovers. In fact, I think I love the flavors even more the next day. All those thick rich and deep flavors get a chance to build even more overnight making it the perfect make ahead dish.

Allow your stew to cool down completely then transfer to a heavy airtight container(s) and transfer to fridge and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

How to freeze beef stew

Stews freeze well, but there are some tips to remember:

If you plan on freezing the stew, you may want to add the potatoes when reheating since freezing makes potatoes soft and grainy. Also, leave out any starches or thickeners since it may separate after freezing. Wait to thicken until you reheat the stew.

To freeze: Allow your stew to cool down then transfer to heavy airtight containers or large resealable ziptop bags. Be sure not fill the containers or bags all the way to the top, leaving 1/2 inch to accommodate freezer expansion. Stews can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator if frozen and use promptly. Reheat on low in the slow cooker or in a large pot on the stovetop, simmering on low.

More Slow Cooker recipes:

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Lo Mein Noodles

Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken Soup – Half Baked Harvest

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

More easy stew recipes:

Vegetable Curry

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Watch the video below to see how easy it is to make the best Slow Cooker Beef Stew:

This Slow Cooker Beef stew  is a delicious, old fashioned beef stew recipe simmered in the slow cooker with tender meat, carrots, potatoes and celery. It's easy to make and so perfectly comforting and cozy for chilly days! Includes gluten-free, Whole30, paleo, low carb and keto options.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: classic beef stew recipe, delicious beef stew, easy slow cooker beef recipe

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 359 kcal

For the Beef:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast , trimmed and cut into 1 - 2 inch chunks (beef chuck roast gives the best flavor and texture but you may sub with beef stew meat if you can't find beef chuck roast)
• 1/3 cup flour , use gluten free flour, arrowroot starch for paleo, or 1/4 cup almond flour for low carb, keto
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt more or less, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper more or less, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

For the Stew:

• cooking oil
• 1 medium yellow onion , cut into large chunks
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 6 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar , compliant brand
• 4 medium Russet potatoes , peeled and chopped into 1 inch chunks (or can use about 10 small baby potatoes with skin on - cut in half) - sub with turnip for paleo / low carb / keto
• 1 large sweet potato , peeled and chopped into 1 inch chunks (leave out if desired) - sub with pumpkin for low carb / keto
• 3 medium carrots , peeled and cut into slices - omit for low carb / keto if desired
• 2 ribs celery , chopped
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce , use homemade or compliant brand for Whole30
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning , or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 1/2 cups beef broth , homemade or low sodium
• 1 star anise , optional but adds SO much depth and flavor
• water , as needed, to cover the vegetables
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley , for garnish
• more salt and pepper to taste

Optional Thickener:

• 2 tablespoons gluten free flour , or sub with 2 tsps arrowroot powder for paleo OR 1-2 tsps xanthan gum for keto
• 3 tablespoons cold water

1. For the beef In a large zip-top bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, onion powder and Italian seasoning. Add beef and shake until well coated.

2. Browning the meat:

   (feel free to skip to step 5 and add all the ingredients to the slow cooker instead)

3. In a large skillet on medium high heat, add cooking oil and brown the meat on all sides. Meat will not be cooked through. (Be sure not to crowd the skillet - you may have to work in batches). Transfer browned meat into a large 6 quart slow cooker.

4. Put the uncleaned skillet back on the stove and add onions and garlic. Saute for a minute or two then add the balsamic vinegar and tomato paste until just hot enough to deglaze the pan, about 1 minute. Pour into slow cooker over the beef.

5. Add the potatoes, sweet potato, carrots, celery, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, beef broth, (star anise if using) and stir to combine. If there is not enough liquid to cover the vegetables, add water - only as much as needed.

   

6. Cook on low for 5 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours (stir about half way through), until potatoes are tender and meat is cooked through. (Times may vary depending on how hot your slow cooker runs - check and cook longer or shorter if necessary)

   

7. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if necessary (discard star anise if used). Serve hot with fresh parsley.

   

8. Optional:

   To thicken stew:

   Make a slurry by whisking 2 tablespoons of flour (all purpose, cornstarch, gluten free flour, 2 tsps arrowroot powder or 1-2 tsps xanthan gum) with 3 tablespoons of cool water. 20-30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the slow cooker, set to HIGH. Stew should thicken within 20-30 minutes.

   If it does not thicken, your slow cooker may not be hot enough so you will have to transfer to a large pot and heat on the stove if you want to thicken the stew. However, the stew will thicken up on its own overnight in the fridge even without the cornstarch slurry - the slurry is just a solution for immediate results.

Let cool, then store in refrigerator overnight or until ready to serve. This stew improves in flavor if made at least 1 day ahead.

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 359 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g 20%

Carbohydrates 32g 11%

Fiber 3g 12%

Sugar 4g 4%

Protein 27g 54%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

And if you are looking for easy & authentic Slow Cooker Asian recipes:

The Asian Slow Cooker cookbook is now available for SALEHERE or you can find me on PINTEREST for my {Slow Cooker}  AND {Asian Inspired} Pinterest boards, and follow along for some more ideas!

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