Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, hearty dinner that basically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Stew is your new best friend. It’s rich, savory, loaded with tender beef and chunky vegetables, and perfect for chilly nights when all you want is comfort in a bowl.

This vegetable beef stew recipe is a weeknight dinner hero in our house. I love it because it’s simple to prep, freezes beautifully, and makes everyone at the table happy (even the picky eaters). Plus, it pairs perfectly with Soft Fluffy French Bread, Garlic Cheddar Drop Biscuits, or even Cheesy Garlic Irish Soda Bread if you’re feeling fancy.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This slow cooker vegetable beef stew is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy families. It’s packed with tender beef, chunky vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that tastes like it simmered all day. This easy vegetable beef stew recipe is ideal for meal prep and makes a great freezer-friendly option. Using frozen vegetables saves time without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe that brings everyone back to the table. Whether you’re looking for a simple slow cooker beef stew or a cozy one-pot dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes!

What You’ll Need (Key Ingredients)

Chuck stew meat (about 2 lbs): flavorful and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Beef broth: creates a rich, seasoned base for the stew.
Tomato paste: adds depth and a subtle tanginess.
Worcestershire sauce: for that umami punch.
Potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, peas: a classic veggie mix that makes this an old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe.
Cornstarch: for thickening.
Bay leaves, garlic, salt, pepper: simple but essential seasoning.

How to Make Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Stew (Step-by-Step)

Making this slow cooker vegetable beef stew couldn’t be easier! It’s a no-fuss, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days and cozy nights. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful, hearty dinner your whole family will love.

1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Once the oil is shimmering, add your chuck stew meat and chopped onion.

Sear the beef for 2–3 minutes per side, until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step adds rich, deep flavor to your old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe, creating a savory base that elevates the entire dish.

Tip: Don’t skip this step! Browning the beef first makes your slow cooker beef stew taste like it simmered all day even if you’re using the high setting.

2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef and onions to your slow cooker. Then add all the remaining ingredients:

Chopped carrots, celery, potatoes, and frozen peas
Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for rich depth
Minced garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaves for seasoning
A slurry of cornstarch and a bit of broth to thicken
The rest of the beef broth to bring it all together

3: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to one of the following settings:

Low: Cook for 6 to 8 hours (best for tender, fall-apart beef)
High: Cook for 4 hours (faster, but beef may be slightly chewier)

This low-and-slow method allows the chuck roast to break down beautifully, making the meat ultra tender and flavorful.

4: Stir and Serve

Once the stew is done, give it a good stir and remove the bay leaves. The vegetable beef stew should be thick, hearty, and full of savory aroma.

Ladle it into bowls and serve it hot with crusty bread, fluffy biscuits, or rolls on the side. It’s the ultimate comfort food!

Substitutions & Variations

Beef broth: Swap in water with beef bouillon or base if you’re out.
Vegetables: Try mushrooms, butternut squash, parsnips, turnips, or even green beans.
Vegan/Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the beef. Chickpeas or mushrooms are great swaps!

Top Tips for the Best Beef Stew

Brown the beef: This step makes all the difference for a rich-tasting broth.
Preheat your pan: Let the oil get hot so the beef sears properly.
Cook low and slow: Chuck roast gets incredibly tender with time.
Make a double batch: Freeze half for an easy meal later.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetable beef stew ahead of time?

Yes! This stew is perfect for meal prep. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

What cut of beef is best for slow cooker stew?

Chuck roast or stew meat chunks work best. They have enough marbling to become tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts, as they tend to dry out and become tough.

Can I make this beef stew on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the meat and onions as directed, then combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

How can I thicken the stew without using cornstarch?

If you prefer not to use cornstarch, try mixing in a tablespoon of flour with the beef before browning, or add a slurry made from arrowroot powder or mashed potatoes for a thicker texture.

Do I need to thaw the peas before adding them to the slow cooker?

Nope! You can add frozen peas directly to the slow cooker. They’ll cook just fine during the slow cooking process and help keep their bright color and shape.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! Swap the beef for hearty plant-based proteins like mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and skip the Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan version.

Related Recipes You Might Also Love

Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew
Cozy and deeply flavorful, this Irish beef stew features tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any chilly evening.

Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast
This savory slow cooker pot roast is infused with caramelized onion flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It’s like classic French onion soup turned into a hearty, satisfying main dish.

Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks are slow-cooked in a bold, herby tomato sauce. This recipe is elegant enough for holidays but simple enough for Sunday dinner.

Ground Beef Taco Meat
This quick and flavorful taco meat recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef and simple spices, it’s great for tacos, burritos, or nachos.

Serving Suggestions

Here’s what we love to serve with this stew:

Soft French Bread: Perfect for dunking.
Garlic Cheddar Drop Biscuits: My husband’s favorite.
Fluffy Dinner Rolls: Classic and comforting.
Side Salad: Something fresh and crunchy to balance the richness.

conclusion

This slow cooker vegetable beef stew is everything you want in a cozy, weeknight dinner easy to prepare, full of flavor, and packed with hearty vegetables and tender beef. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing vegetable beef stew recipe to meal prep or a comforting old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe for chilly nights, this one delivers every time. Plus, using frozen vegetables makes prep a breeze! Don’t forget to explore more slow cooker beef stew favorites on the blog for effortless, family-friendly meals. Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Let’s Connect!

If you try this slow cooker vegetable beef soup with frozen vegetables, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I love hearing how it turns out for you.

Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, family-friendly dinner recipes!

Let’s keep cooking simple, flavorful, and totally delicious. Thanks for being here!