Looking for a cozy dinner that practically cooks itself? This Creamy Slow Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, celery, peas, and a rich, creamy broth.
Everything slowly simmers together until the beef becomes fork-tender and the vegetables soak up all that delicious flavor. A little cream at the end transforms the savory broth into a smooth, comforting sauce. It’s an easy family dinner that’s perfect for chilly evenings!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Beef and Vegetables
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
For the Stew Broth
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
For the Creamy Finish
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized cubes. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
For the best texture, choose beef chuck because it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Carne con Chile Guajillo – Receta Mexicana | Recetas Mexas
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides for about 3–4 minutes per batch.
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
Browning is optional, but it adds a wonderful roasted flavor to the finished stew.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Slow Cooker Beef Stew | The BEST Crockpot Beef Stew
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, celery, and optional mushrooms to the slow cooker. Place the browned beef over the vegetables.
Step 4: Prepare the Savory Broth
In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables. Add the bay leaf.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe (Perfectly Tender) | The Kitchn
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook:
- LOW: 8–9 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
Cook until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes and carrots are soft. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker.
Step 6: Add the Peas and Cream
Betty’s Five Slow-Cooker Commandments – BettyCrocker.com
About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
Warm the heavy cream slightly in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in a few spoonfuls of hot stew broth, then stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker. This helps the cream blend smoothly.
Step 7: Thicken the Stew
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe in Crock Pot EASY!| Best Recipe Box
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Stir the mixture into the stew. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes, until the broth becomes creamy and thick.
Remove the bay leaf and taste. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
cozy slow cooker beef and vegetable stew for family dinner nights – evadishes
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve warm.
Enjoy this hearty stew with crusty bread, warm biscuits, or a simple green salad. The creamy broth and tender vegetables make every spoonful delicious!
Tips for the Best Creamy Beef and Vegetable Stew
- Use beef chuck: It is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender over time.
- Brown the beef: This adds deeper flavor and creates a richer stew.
- Cut vegetables evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook more consistently.
- Keep the lid closed: Opening it too often releases heat and increases cooking time.
- Add peas near the end: This keeps them bright and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Add cream at the end: This helps prevent the dairy from separating during long cooking.
- Adjust the thickness: Add extra beef broth if the stew becomes too thick.
Easy Recipe Variations
1. Creamy Beef and Mushroom Stew
Add 1–2 cups of sliced mushrooms for a deeper, earthy flavor.
2. Cheesy Beef Vegetable Stew
Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese near the end for extra richness.
3. Garlic Herb Beef Stew
Add 2 extra garlic cloves and a little fresh rosemary.
4. Beef Stew with Green Beans
Replace the peas with 1 cup of chopped green beans.
5. Gluten-Free Version
Use certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check all packaged ingredients. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, but check its label for cross-contact information.
What to Serve with Creamy Beef & Vegetable Stew
Delicious Beef Stew Recipes for Easy Cooking – Beehive Meals
エレファンズカフェ＆バル 岐阜市その他/羽島郡/カフェ ネット予約可 | ヒトサラ
9
This comforting meal pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty French bread
- Homemade dinner rolls
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Garlic bread
- Simple garden salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers within 2 hours. Refrigerate at 40°F or below for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months for best quality. The cream may separate slightly after thawing, and the potatoes may soften.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if needed. Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
Make Ahead: Prepare the beef and vegetables in advance and refrigerate them separately. Cook the stew when ready, adding the cream and peas near the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make creamy beef vegetable stew without heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead. The sauce will be slightly lighter.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely. Frozen peas, green beans, or mixed vegetables work well. Add delicate frozen vegetables near the end to prevent overcooking.
3. Why is my beef still tough after slow cooking?
It probably needs more time. Beef chuck becomes tender when its connective tissue has had enough time to break down. Continue cooking until it is easy to pull apart with a fork.
4. Can I make this stew without potatoes?
Yes! Replace the potatoes with extra carrots, mushrooms, turnips, or other hearty vegetables.
5. Can I make this recipe on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 4–5 hours, checking that the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Printable Recipe Card
Creamy Slow Cooker Beef & Vegetable Stew
Creamy Homestyle Beef Vegetable Soup
A hearty crockpot dinner featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, peas, and a rich creamy broth.
PREP TIME
20 minutes
COOK TIME
8 hours
TOTAL TIME
8 hours 20 minutes
SERVINGS
6
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef chuck, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cut beef into cubes, pat dry, and season.
- Brown beef in olive oil in batches.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, celery, mushrooms, and beef to the slow cooker.
- Whisk broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over ingredients and add bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Add frozen peas. Temper heavy cream with a little hot broth and stir into the stew.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew.
- Cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Add cream and peas near the end of cooking.
- Use beef chuck for tender, flavorful results.
- Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days.
