Simple Slow Cooker Beef and Carrot Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef and Carrot Stew is classic comfort food at its best. Tender chunks of beef, sweet carrots, and a rich, savory broth come together effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s the kind of cozy, nourishing meal that’s perfect for cold evenings, busy days, or whenever you want something warm and satisfying waiting for you at dinnertime.

Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, this stew delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor without any fuss.

Servings

6 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds stew beef, cut into 1 to 1½-inch cubes
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped (optional but recommended)
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons tomato paste (or ketchup if needed)
3 cups beef broth, or enough to just cover
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (optional, for browning)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss it with the flour, salt, and black pepper until lightly coated.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until nicely seared on the outside. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Tip: You can skip this step if short on time—the stew will still be delicious.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add the carrots, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker, spreading them around the beef.

Step 4: Mix the Broth

In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf until mostly smooth.

Step 5: Combine

Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir gently. The liquid should just cover everything—add a little more broth or water if needed.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

LOW: 7–9 hours
HIGH: 4–5 hours

Cook until the beef is fork-tender and the carrots are soft.

Step 7: Adjust and Thicken (Optional)

Taste and adjust seasoning. For a thicker stew, mash a few pieces of beef and carrot against the side of the cooker, or stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Cook an additional 10–15 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Add potatoes or parsnips for a heartier stew
Use fresh herbs at the end for brighter flavor
Replace carrots with a mix of root vegetables
Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or buttered rolls

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
Freeze up to 3 months
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave

Final Thoughts

This Simple Slow Cooker Beef and Carrot Stew is timeless, comforting, and incredibly easy. With tender beef, sweet carrots, and a rich broth, it’s the kind of meal that warms both body and soul.