Herb-Infused Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes stew beef
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 4, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds carrots
- 3, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes potatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Cook on low for 6-7 hours until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook for an additional 15 minutes until peas are heated through.
- Step 7: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.