Vegetable Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy Meals

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of vegetable beef stew, especially when it’s prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker. This classic dish combines tender chunks of beef with a vibrant medley of vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth.

Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a lazy weekend, this slow cooker vegetable beef stew recipe is the ultimate meal that fills your home with inviting aromas and your belly with satisfying goodness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make — just prep your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through every step of creating this delicious stew, share tips for the best results, and even suggest some tasty serving ideas. If you love comfort food that’s nutritious, hearty, and fuss-free, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable beef stew recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s a slow cooker gem — meaning minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor development.

The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables soak up the savory broth, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap or add vegetables based on what’s in season or your family’s preferences.

The recipe is hearty enough to satisfy meat lovers while packed with wholesome veggies, making it a well-rounded meal in one pot. Plus, the slow cooker method means you can prepare it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner that warms you from the inside out.

Finally, this stew freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it anytime. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for a crowd, this recipe delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
• Large skillet or frying pan for browning beef
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure good browning. Toss the beef with the flour evenly to coat all sides. This step will help thicken the stew later.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown all sides until a golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
4. Add vegetables: Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, green beans, and frozen peas to the slow cooker. Evenly distribute the vegetables around the beef.
5. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables cooked through.
7. Check seasoning and serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If the stew is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
8. Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

“For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce when you add the broth.”

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences — parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms make excellent additions. For a slightly spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite chili powder blend; check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for inspiration.

Using stew beef is convenient, but a chuck roast cut into cubes will yield even more tender, flavorful meat. Browning the beef before slow cooking is key to developing the stew’s rich flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable beef stew is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with a few complementary sides:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up the savory broth.
• Buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes: For an extra comforting carb base.
• Simple green salad: Lightens the meal with crisp, fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Steamed rice or quinoa: A wholesome grain option to add texture and nutrition.

For a seasonal twist, pair the stew with roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed kale. If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, try topping your bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Conclusion

This vegetable beef stew slow cooker recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth makes this stew a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.

By using simple ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the work, you get a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, with minimal effort. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe means you can tailor it to your tastes or what’s in your pantry.

If you’re looking for other wholesome, easy recipes featuring fresh ingredients, be sure to explore our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Enjoy the cozy warmth and satisfying flavors of this slow cooker vegetable beef stew — it’s a timeless meal that brings comfort to any table.

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