Comforting Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Imagine having a beef stew ready in 15 minutes? Well you could...

Author

Nahren Recipe Club
September 02, 2025

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Hey there!

This slow-cooker beef stew hits different when you're craving comfort food without the fuss.

What's the secret? I brown the beef first. Most people skip this step, but it adds incredible depth of flavor that you just can't get otherwise.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredient

Amount

Est. Cost*

Chuck roast, cubed

1 lb

$1.00

Yellow onion

1 medium, diced

$0.25

Baby carrots

1 cup

$0.30

Red potatoes

2 medium, cubed

$0.40

Beef broth

3 cups

$0.45

Tomato paste

2 Tbsp

$0.20

All-purpose flour

3 Tbsp

$0.15

Garlic powder

1 tsp

$0.08

Dried thyme

1 tsp

$0.12

Salt & pepper

To taste

$0.05

Total Cost: $3.00 per serving (serves 4)

Recipe:

  1. Brown the beef: Heat oil in skillet, brown cubed beef on all sides (don't skip this!)

  2. Prep slow cooker: Add browned beef, onions, carrots, potatoes to slow cooker

  3. Make slurry: Whisk flour into 1 cup of beef broth until smooth, add tomato paste

  4. Combine: Pour slurry and remaining broth over ingredients, add seasonings

  5. Cook: Low 8 hours or high 4 hours until beef is tender

The Secret Ingredient Browning the beef creates those caramelized bits that dissolve into the stew, creating restaurant-quality depth of flavor.

Pro tip: Make this Sunday, eat leftovers all week. It tastes even better the next day.