Herb-Infused Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting bowl of tender beef and vegetables in a rich, aromatic broth, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 380 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes stew beef, all-purpose flour, dried thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 tsp dried thyme, 2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pat 2 lbs stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes, dry with paper towels, then coat evenly in the flour mixture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to a slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, then pour into the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 sliced carrots, 3 cubed potatoes, 2 cups beef broth, and 1/2 cup water to the slow cooker, then stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Cook on low for 6-7 hours until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for an additional 15 minutes until peas are heated through.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Slow-Cooker Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Slow-Cooker Beef Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Slow-Cooker Beef Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Infused Slow-Cooker Beef Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb-Infused Slow-Cooker Beef Stew?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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