Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe With Frozen Vegetables Made Easy

Updated On: October 8, 2025

When the weather turns chilly and all you crave is a hearty, comforting meal, nothing beats a rich and flavorful beef stew. This slow cooker beef stew with frozen vegetables is the perfect solution for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.

Using frozen vegetables not only saves time but also keeps your stew packed with nutrients and vibrant colors. The slow cooker does all the work, tenderizing the beef to perfection and melding the savory flavors into a dish that’s warm, filling, and utterly delicious.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy dinner idea, this recipe is a winner for any occasion.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to make this stew your new go-to comfort food. Plus, I’ll share tips to customize it and ideas for serving.

Let’s dive into the magic of slow-cooked goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef stew slow cooker recipe with frozen vegetables is a lifesaver for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.

No need to chop fresh veggies every time because frozen vegetables are ready to go, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooking method transforms tough beef chunks into tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites infused with rich, savory flavors.

Moreover, this stew is a wholesome, balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. The frozen vegetables retain their nutritional value and add color and texture without extra prep time.

Finally, it’s a versatile recipe that you can tweak to your liking, making it a comforting classic that suits any family.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds (700g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, corn)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (Crock-Pot), 6-quart or larger
  • Large skillet or frying pan for browning beef
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl for tossing beef with flour

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Place them in a mixing bowl and toss with the all-purpose flour until evenly coated. This helps thicken the stew later.
  2. Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add tomato paste and stir it in for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  4. Add liquids: Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce for 2 minutes, then transfer the contents of the skillet to the slow cooker.
  5. Add vegetables and seasonings: Add the frozen mixed vegetables, diced potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and salt and pepper to taste into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  7. Final touches: About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaves. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew and cook for the remaining time.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef cubes in red wine and herbs overnight before cooking.”

  • Use frozen pearl onions instead of diced onion for a sweeter, milder taste and less chopping.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
  • Add a splash of soy sauce or miso paste for a savory umami twist.
  • Swap out frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites—frozen mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers work great.
  • For a thicker stew, you can also mash some of the potatoes before serving, or add instant mashed potato flakes.
  • Try adding a bay leaf or two during cooking, but always remember to remove them before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 35 g
Fat 15 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Fiber 5 g
Sodium 600 mg
Vitamin A 60% DV
Vitamin C 30% DV
Iron 25% DV

Serving Suggestions

This beef stew is a meal all on its own, but you can elevate it with some thoughtful sides and accompaniments. Serve it with crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious gravy, or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

If you want to keep it low-carb, serve alongside steamed cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts. For something a little special, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds a lovely finish.

Conclusion

This slow cooker beef stew with frozen vegetables is the ultimate comfort food that combines convenience with homemade goodness. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a hearty, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The slow cooker tenderizes the beef beautifully while the frozen veggies keep it colorful and nutritious, making it a smart choice for busy families or meal preppers. Plus, the recipe is flexible enough to adapt to your pantry and preferences.

If you’re interested in exploring more slow cooker recipes or hearty meals, be sure to check out our Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals or dive into 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious for other slow cooker inspiration.

For spice lovers, our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend is a fantastic way to add kick to your dishes.

Enjoy this comforting stew all year round and happy slow cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe with Frozen Vegetables

Description: A hearty and easy slow cooker beef stew using frozen vegetables for convenience. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal prep.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H15M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
  • 1 bag (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown beef cubes on all sides.
  2. Transfer browned beef to slow cooker.
  3. Add chopped onion, garlic, potatoes, frozen vegetables, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to slow cooker.
  4. Pour beef broth over ingredients.
  5. Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  6. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
  8. Check seasoning before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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