Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Stew

 

There’s something special about walking into the kitchen and being greeted by the rich aroma of a stew that’s been simmering all day. This Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Stew is a true comfort classic—simple ingredients, slow-cooked to perfection, and full of cozy flavors that remind you of home. With tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, and veggies in a savory broth, it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether it’s a cold winter night or just a busy day when you need dinner ready and waiting, this stew is the perfect “set it and forget it” recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl.Ingredients2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced3 carrots, sliced3 celery stalks, chopped1 onion, diced3 cloves garlic, minced4 cups beef broth2 tbsp tomato paste1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce1 tsp dried thyme1 tsp dried rosemary2 bay leaves3 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)2 tbsp olive oil (for browning beef)Salt and pepper, to tasteFresh parsley, for garnishInstructionsBrown the Beef (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides. (This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.)Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.Mix Broth & Seasoning: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour over the beef and vegetables.Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.Optional Thickening: For a thicker stew, stir 3 tbsp flour with ½ cup cold water and mix into the stew 30 minutes before serving.Serve: Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.NotesYou can swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a twist.Frozen peas or green beans can be added during the last 30 minutes for extra color and flavor.Best served with crusty bread for soaking up the broth.