Slow-Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew with Thyme
A deeply flavorful stew simmered for hours until beef is fork-tender, infused with earthy mushrooms and aromatic thyme. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 510 minutes pairs cubed beef chuck roast, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion 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
- 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 3 medium, chopped carrots
- 2 stalks, chopped celery
- 8 oz cremini, sliced mushrooms
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Step 2: Transfer beef to a slow cooker. Add onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and garlic to the skillet, cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir tomato paste into the skillet, cook for 1 minute until darkened, then add to slow cooker.
- Step 4: Pour in beef broth, add fresh thyme, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is tender.
- Step 5: Remove beef, skim excess fat from broth, then return beef to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 510 minutes (30 min prep + 480 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-Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew with Thyme?
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 cubed beef chuck roast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew with Thyme?
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-Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew with Thyme 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-Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew with Thyme?
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
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
