Slow-Cooked Beef and Corn Stew with Smoked Paprika

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef chunks simmered in a savory broth with sweet corn and a subtle smoky paprika depth for a comforting meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 385 minutes pairs chuck roast, olive oil, red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.0 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high; season beef cubes with salt and black pepper, then brown in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add chopped red onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot; cook for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and 1 tsp smoked paprika for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return beef to pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 cup diced potatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours.
  4. Step 4: In the final hour, stir in 2 cups corn kernels and 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Beef and Corn Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 385 minutes (25 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 Slow-Cooked Beef and Corn Stew with Smoked Paprika?

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 chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef and Corn Stew with Smoked Paprika?

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 Slow-Cooked Beef and Corn Stew with Smoked Paprika 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 Slow-Cooked Beef and Corn Stew with Smoked Paprika?

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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