This Beef Stew Recipe is one of those easy comfort food dinners that always hits the spot. It is hearty, filling, and made with simple ingredients that cook together perfectly in the slow cooker (making it a mom win on busy days!)
Our stew is filled with tender beef, soft potatoes, and flavorful broth that develops as everything cooks low and slow. We love to make this recipe, especially during colder months, and it is always a family favorite.
If you love cozy dinners, try our Pot Roast, Cheeseburger Soup, Crock Pot Roast, and Chicken Stew. You can also find more family favorite meals in our dinner collection.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Easy Slow Cooker Meal: Toss everything in and let it cook.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with beef, potatoes, and carrots.
- Great for Busy Days: Minimal prep makes this recipe simple.
- Tender Beef: Slow cooking helps the meat become soft and flavorful.
- Rich Broth: The soups and seasonings create a savory base.
Beef Stew Recipe Ingredients
- Chuck roast or stew meat (3 pounds): Becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (8): Adds heartiness and a creamy texture.
- Carrots (6 medium): Brings sweetness and color to the stew.
- Golden mushroom soup (2 cans): Creates a rich, savory broth.
- Water or beef broth (2-3 cups): Helps thin the stew and adds flavor. We prefer using the broth.
- Onion soup mix (1 package): Adds seasoning and depth of flavor.
- Garlic salt (optional): Adds extra savory flavor.
- Pepper (optional): Adds a little warmth and seasoning.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the stew with fresh flavor and color.
How to Make Beef Stew
BEEF. Cook meat with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until well browned.
VEGGIES. Add mushroom soup, onion soup mix, water, beef broth, garlic salt, pepper, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
Add potatoes and carrots and simmer for 1 more hour, or until vegetables are fork-tender. Season with more salt and pepper or a bit of fresh parsley, if desired.
SERVE. Sop up that goodness with a side of Sweet Cornbread, French Bread, or Sour Dough Bread.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Cut veggies into even pieces for even cooking. Add veggies halfway through, and tender ones like peas at the end.
- Use chuck or stew meat for the most tender results.
- Sear meat in a hot pan without overcrowding for best flavor.
- Do not rush the cook time or the beef may not get tender.
- Stove top directions. Cook meat with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until well browned. Add mushroom soup, onion soup mix and water or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Add potatoes and carrots and simmer for 1 more hour, or until vegetables are fork-tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- For added flavor. If you like, you can sear your meat in a pan on each side before cubing it and adding it to the slow cooker. This will give it a nice flavor and a crisper outside.
Beef Stew Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chuck roast or other stew meat, cubed
- 8 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 6 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans golden mushroom soup
- 2-3 cups water, or beef broth
- 1 (2-ounce) package onion soup mix
- garlic salt, to taste (optional)
- pepper, to taste (optional)
- chopped fresh parsley, (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for approximately 6 hours, then serve. Season with garlic salt, pepper and parsley as desired.
Notes
- Cut veggies into even pieces for even cooking. Add veggies halfway through, and tender ones like peas at the end.
- Use beef broth instead of water for richer flavor.
- Use chuck or stew meat for the most tender results.
- Sear meat in a hot pan without overcrowding for best flavor.
- Cut meat and veggies into even 1-inch pieces.
- Do not rush the cook time or the beef may not get tender.
- Add fresh parsley before serving for extra flavor.
- Stove top directions. Cook meat with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until well browned. Add mushroom soup, onion soup mix and water or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Add potatoes and carrots and simmer for 1 more hour, or until vegetables are fork-tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- For added flavor. If you like, you can sear your meat in a pan on each side before cubing it and adding it to the slow cooker. This will give it a nice flavor and a crisper outside.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Homemade beef stew stores really well. This means you can make a double batch and freeze some for later, as well as enjoy any leftovers during the week. Cool the stew before pouring it into airtight storage containers.
If needed, thaw the stew in the fridge before reheating it on the stovetop or the microwave.
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This recipe was first shared August, 2023.
What is golden mushroom soup?
It is a condensed soup (Campbell’s makes one). You should be able to find it at your local grocery store. I know Walmart, Target, Kroger stores sell it. I’m sure many others do too.