Slow cooker beef stew is the epitome of comfort food: tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth—all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe uses the convenience of onion soup mix for a shortcut to incredible flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. But don't let the simplicity fool you; this stew is bursting with depth and deliciousness.
What Makes This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Special?
This recipe isn't just another slow cooker beef stew; it's elevated by the strategic use of onion soup mix. While some recipes shy away from it, we embrace its savory power as a base flavor, then build upon it with additional herbs and spices for a truly remarkable result. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender, melting in your mouth with each bite. The vegetables soften beautifully, releasing their natural sweetness into the rich broth.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped (you can add more, or less, to your preference!)
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn (added in the last 30 minutes)
Instructions:
- Sear the beef (optional): For a richer flavor, brown the beef cubes in a large skillet over medium-high heat before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the seared (or unseared) beef, onion soup mix, tomato soup, beef broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
- Add vegetables (optional): If using frozen peas or corn, stir them into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy! Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of soup mix?
While onion soup mix is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other soup mixes, such as mushroom or chicken. However, be aware that the flavor profile will change significantly. You may need to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen vegetables work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking time.
How do I thicken the stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to create a natural thickening agent.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! This stew tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What kind of beef is best for this recipe?
Chuck roast or stew meat are ideal choices for this recipe because they are relatively inexpensive cuts of beef that become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
What can I add to make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick. A diced jalapeño pepper would also add some nice heat.
This slow cooker beef stew recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The ease of preparation, combined with the depth of flavor, makes it a perfect go-to meal for any occasion. Enjoy!
