There’s something about a hearty bowl of beef stew that brings comfort and warmth, especially on a chilly day. This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect dish for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With minimal ingredients and hands-off cooking, you can have a delicious, savory stew without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is all about simplicity—just throw everything into the slow cooker, let it cook low and slow, and enjoy the rich flavors that develop over time.

The best part? This stew uses just five basic ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option that still delivers the comforting flavors of a traditional beef stew. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the potatoes soak up the savory broth, and the carrots add a touch of sweetness. It’s the ideal meal to feed a family or enjoy as leftovers.

Let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you sit back and relax, knowing that a delicious, comforting stew is simmering away for you to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

With only five basic ingredients, this stew is incredibly easy to make, and you likely have most of them already in your kitchen.

2. Hands-Off Cooking

The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to set it and forget it while it slowly simmers to perfection.

3. Tender Beef

The beef chuck becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, making it the perfect protein for a comforting stew.

4. Versatile

While the recipe is simple, you can easily customize it by adding other vegetables, herbs, or seasonings to suit your tastes.

5. Affordable

With budget-friendly ingredients like beef chuck, potatoes, and carrots, this stew is an economical way to feed a family while still feeling indulgent.

Ingredients

Beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Medium potatoes (diced)
Carrots (sliced)
Diced tomatoes (with juice)
Onion soup mix (packet)

Variations

Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables such as celery, parsnips, or peas for more variety and nutrients.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Herbs: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for an extra depth of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice the carrots into rounds and set aside.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In your slow cooker, place the diced potatoes and sliced carrots at the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Beef

Place the cubed beef on top of the vegetables, spreading it out evenly over the potatoes and carrots.

Step 4: Combine the Sauce

Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) over the beef. This will help create a savory broth for the stew.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Onion Soup Mix

Top everything with the entire packet of onion soup mix, ensuring it’s evenly distributed over the ingredients.

Step 6: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

Step 7: Serve

Once the stew is done cooking, give it a gentle stir. Serve hot in bowls with fresh bread or over rice for a comforting, filling meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut the Beef Uniformly: Make sure the beef cubes are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Use a Lean Cut of Beef: Beef chuck is ideal for stews because it becomes tender after slow cooking. If you use a leaner cut, you may need to add some extra fat or broth to keep it moist.
Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes to help thicken the broth.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: While the beef needs to cook for several hours, the vegetables can become too soft if overcooked. Check them before the final hour to ensure they don’t lose their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this hearty stew in individual bowls. You can pair it with a side of crusty bread for dipping or serve it over rice for a more substantial meal. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side would also add a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This stew gets even better as it sits, allowing the flavors to develop further.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the stew to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

While beef chuck is the best for stews, you can substitute other cuts like round or brisket. Just ensure they are cut into cubes and cooked until tender.

2. Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use any type of potato, but waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold hold their shape better in slow cooking.

3. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop by simmering everything in a large pot for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add peas, corn, or parsnips for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables?

You can, but be aware that frozen vegetables tend to get mushy when cooked for long periods. If using frozen veggies, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging of the onion soup mix to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten.

7. How can I thicken the stew?

If the stew is too thin, you can mash some of the potatoes to thicken the broth or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

8. Can I add garlic or herbs to the stew?

Absolutely! You can add minced garlic, dried herbs, or a bay leaf to enhance the flavor.

9. Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a pressure cooker. Cook the stew on high for about 30 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.

10. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal with minimal effort. With just five ingredients and a slow cooker, you can enjoy a rich, savory stew that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing a meal ahead of time, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity and the delicious results!